SCO Appoints Pakistan as Chairman of RATS. India Opposed this Decision Due to the Pahalgam Attack and Pakistan's Role in Terrorism. Political Tensions Also Affected the Organization's Capabilities.
World Update: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has appointed Pakistan as the chairman of its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS). This decision was finalized by the China-dominated organization on Wednesday. Upon assuming the chairmanship, Pakistan pledged to enhance regional cooperation in combating terrorism.
India Expresses Opposition
India has voiced its displeasure over this decision. Experts believe that Pakistan is known globally as a country involved in terrorism. Consequently, appointing Pakistan as the head of RATS is unacceptable to India. India viewed this decision as a double standard and registered its protest.
Pahalgam Attack Condemned at RATS Meeting
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, was also condemned at the RATS meeting. This attack claimed the lives of 26 civilians and injured over 17 others. India also stated at the meeting that the sponsors and funders of this attack must be held accountable. Deputy National Security Advisor T.V. Ravichandran emphasized the need to avoid double standards in matters of terrorism and to take strict action against all forms of terrorism.
Pakistan's Role in Terrorism
There is a long history of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor serve as examples of this. In this operation, India targeted seven terrorist bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). Following the elimination of terrorists harbored in Pakistan, a tense situation persisted between the two countries for four days.
What Pakistan Said After Assuming Chairmanship
Upon assuming the chairmanship of RATS, Pakistan stated that it would uphold mutual trust, equality, and shared responsibility. Pakistan claims it will promote regional cooperation against terrorism. However, this decision is considered laughable and controversial from India's perspective, given Pakistan's heavy association with terrorism.
Role of RATS
RATS was established to coordinate anti-terrorism, extremism, and separatism efforts among SCO member states. Its functions include intelligence sharing, maintaining a database of proscribed groups, conducting joint exercises, ensuring extradition arrangements, and carrying out joint operations.
Organization Weakened by Political Tensions
However, the organization has repeatedly proven to be weak due to political tensions and India-Pakistan disputes. Pakistan's persistent obstructionism and accusations related to terrorism have limited RATS' neutrality and effectiveness. India held the organization's chairmanship in 2022, but progress in expanding the shared intelligence database and cooperation remained elusive.
Accusations and Counter-Accusations Between India and Pakistan
During the meetings in 2023 and 2025, both countries publicly accused each other of supporting terrorism. China has had to intervene multiple times to curb Pakistan's actions. Analysts suggest that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and disputes have undermined the organization's capabilities.
