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1972 Shimla Agreement: Everything to know about the pact and its impact
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, April 25, 2025: Following the Pahalgam terror attack and escalating tension between the two countries, Pakistan announced the suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement, a significant peace treaty signed between India and Pakistan after the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war.
The Shimla Agreement of 1972 was signed between India and Pakistan on July 2, 1972, following the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. Here's a pointwise summary:
- Signatories: Signed by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in Shimla, India.
- Objective: Aimed to foster peace and normalize relations between India and Pakistan after the 1971 war.
- Bilateral Framework: Both nations agreed to resolve all disputes bilaterally, without third-party intervention.
- Line of Control (LoC): Established the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, based on the ceasefire line of December 17, 1971, with minor adjustments.
- Respect for Sovereignty: Both countries committed to respecting each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs.
- Prisoners of War (PoWs): Pakistan agreed to release over 90,000 PoWs held by India, captured during the 1971 war.
- No Use of Force: Both nations pledged to refrain from using force and to settle differences through peaceful means.
- Economic and Diplomatic Ties: Agreed to restore diplomatic relations, trade, and communication links, which had been severed during the war.
- Kashmir Issue: Reaffirmed that the Kashmir issue would be resolved bilaterally, with both sides committing to work toward a final settlement.
- Step-by-Step Approach: Emphasized a gradual approach to improve relations, including cultural exchanges and cooperation.
- Durand Line Reference Removed: An earlier draft mentioning the Durand Line (Pakistan-Afghanistan border) was removed to avoid complicating bilateral issues.
- Implementation: The agreement led to the withdrawal of troops to the LoC and set the stage for future dialogues, though many issues, including Kashmir, remain unresolved.
The Shimla Agreement remains a key document in Indo-Pak relations, often referenced in diplomatic discussions.