India, Pakistan, and other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) met in New Delhi on Monday to discuss enhancing cooperation in addressing regional security challenges. The meeting, which is being held over three days, is part of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).

One of the key topics of discussion was the situation in Afghanistan, with a focus on countering the threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the country under Taliban rule. Pakistan has sent a three-member team, including officials from the Interior, Defence, and Foreign ministries, to participate in the meeting.

India took over the chairmanship of the Council of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO (RATS SCO) on October 28 last year for a one-year term. India is committed to strengthening security cooperation within the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure, which focuses on security and defense issues.

A similar conference was held by India in December with participation from all member states of the SCO. The SCO, comprised of Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, is a major transregional international organization focusing on economic and security matters.