India to apprise FATF of latest evidence on terror infrastructure in Pakistan, Pg11

India plans to share fresh evidence of terror infrastructure in Pakistan with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

• The evidence includes details of destroyed terror bases in precision strikes under Operation Sindoor.

• Triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed Indian soldiers.

• Pakistan was removed from FATF Grey List in Oct 2022, but remains under monitoring.

Detailed Insights:

• FATF reviews compliance with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CFT (Counter-Terror Financing) norms.

• India will submit evidence of Pakistani state support to banned terror outfits and non-compliance with AML/CFT norms.

• FATF previously greylisted Pakistan in 2008, then again in 2012–2015, and 2018–2022.

• While removed from the Grey List, Pakistan continues engagement with the Asia Pacific Group (APG) for improvements.

Key Concepts:

• FATF Grey List: A watchlist for countries with deficiencies in countering terror finance and money laundering; can restrict access to global financial systems.

• AML/CFT: Frameworks to prevent misuse of the financial system by terrorist and criminal organisations.

• Operation Sindoor: Recent Indian counter-terrorism operation targeting infrastructure in PoK post-Pahalgam.

Significance:

• Sharing such evidence strengthens India’s diplomatic offensive and global narrative against Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism.

• Important for FATF to maintain pressure, ensuring concrete actions, not cosmetic compliance.

• Vital step in India’s broader counter-terrorism strategy and reinforcing global security standards.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the role of FATF in curbing terror financing and evaluate India’s diplomatic strategy in using multilateral forums to counter cross-border terrorism.”