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Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU

Context:

Pakistan has suspended the historic 1972 Simla Agreement in retaliation for India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

About Simla Agreement

It is a peace treaty signed in July 1972, between India and Pakistan. It aims to promote peace and friendly relations after the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which led to Bangladesh’s creation. Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto sign this accord to end hostilities and build a framework for resolving disputes peacefully.

Why was the Agreement Signed?

The 1971 war resulted in a decisive Indian victory, with Pakistan’s eastern wing becoming independent Bangladesh. Over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers surrender, and India captures significant Pakistani territory. 

The Agreement aims to stabilize relations, prevent future conflicts, and establish a mechanism for dialogue. It also addresses the fallout of the war, including territorial disputes and the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlights of the Simla Agreement

Promotes Peaceful Relations

Both nations committed to promoting a “friendly and harmonious relationship” to ensure lasting peace. The focus shifts to using resources for the welfare of their people rather than military conflicts.

Bilateral Dispute Resolution

India and Pakistan agree to settle differences through peaceful means, bilateral negotiations. They can also use other mutually agreed peaceful methods, excluding third-party interventions like the United Nations unless both consent. This makes disputes, especially over Kashmir, a strictly bilateral matter.

Establishes the Line of Control (LoC)

The agreement renames the 1949 Ceasefire Line as the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The LoC divides Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, finalized on December 17, 1971, after the war. This change underlines that Kashmir is a bilateral issue, delinking it from the UN-imposed ceasefire line of 1949.

Territorial Adjustments

India returns about 13,000 km² of Pakistani territory captured during the war, mainly on the western front. India retains strategic areas, such as certain posts in Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure security and lasting peace.

Pakistan formally recognizes Bangladesh as a sovereign nation, accepting the outcome of the 1971 war.  

Both nations agree to respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. They committed non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

Significance of the Simla Agreement

It creates a framework for dialogue, reducing the risk of immediate conflict after the 1971 war. Bilateral negotiations have become the preferred method for resolving disputes.

By renaming the Ceasefire Line as the LoC, India successfully positions Kashmir as a matter to be resolved between India and Pakistan, sidelining UN or international involvement. This strengthens India’s diplomatic stance on Kashmir.

Pakistan’s recognition of Bangladesh paves the way for Bangladesh’s integration into the international community, including its UN membership in 1974.

India returned most captured territories to show goodwill, while retaining strategic areas to ensure security.  

The agreement establishes principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and non-aggression, which guide future interactions, though challenges persist.

 Source:  THE HINDU