Simla Agreement

Posted 17 May 2025

Updated 23 May 2025

4 min read

Why in the News?

Pakistan declared it would hold "in abeyance" its participation in all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement.

Shimla Agreement

Background: The Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in 1972 as a peace measure after the India-Pakistan 1971 War.
- The 1971 war led to the creation of the new nation of Bangladesh out of East Pakistan.
Key Provisions of the Shimla Agreement

Normalization of Relations: The principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter shall govern the relations between the two countries.
- The agreement outlined steps to resume communications, trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.
- It also facilitated the repatriation of prisoners of war and civilians detained during the conflict, marking a humanitarian gesture.
Bilateral Resolution: To settle differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations or by any other peaceful means mutually agreed upon between them.
Establishment of the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir: The agreement converted the 1971 ceasefire line into the LoC.
Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: Both sides pledged to respect each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence and refrain from interference in internal affairs.
Provisions for future meetings: Between the heads of government to further peace efforts and address unresolved issues.

The below infographic shows importance of the shimla agreement

Implications of the suspension of the Shimla Agreement

Symbolic and Diplomatic Impact: Pakistan's suspension is mainly symbolic, as the agreement's practical relevance has diminished due to repeated violations.
- The bilateral dialogue mechanism envisioned under the deal has been dormant, with high-level talks suspended after major incidents like the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Strategic Implications for the LoC: Pakistan's non-recognition of the LoC as a de facto border could lead to attempts to alter the status quo, as seen in past conflicts like Kargil.
- However, India's military preparedness mitigates immediate tactical consequences.
Regional Stability: The suspension undermines regional stability, particularly in the context of nuclear-armed neighbours.
- It could escalate diplomatic and military brinkmanship, derailing prospects for dialogue.
International Perspectives: Pakistan's move may invite criticism for violating international commitments, strengthening India's narrative of Pakistan's unreliability.
India's Strategic Advantage: The suspension paradoxically benefits India by removing diplomatic constraints.
- India can pursue more harder line against cross-border terrorism, revisit claims over Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), and intensify diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan.
- The absence of the agreement may also prompt India to reassess other bilateral treaties, such as visa regimes and trade agreements, aligning them with national security interests.

Other important agreements between India and Pakistan

The Nehru-Liaquat pact: Signed in 1950 relates to the treatment of minorities in their respective countries.
Indus Waters Treaty 1960: For the utilization and distribution of water of Indus river system.
The Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Pilgrimages: Signed in 1974 facilitates hundreds of Hindu and Sikh pilgrims to 15 temples and gurdwaras in Pakistan, as well as Muslim pilgrims to five mosques and shrines in India.
Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan in 1988: Both countries are to inform each other on 1^st January of every calendar year of the nuclear installations and facilities.
Agreement on prevention of air space violations and for permitting over flights and landings by military aircraft 1991: To avoid violations of each other's airspace and co-operation.
Agreement On Pre-Notification Of Flight Testing Of Ballistic Missiles, 2005: Advance Notification of the flight test that it intends to undertake of any land or sea launched, suface-to-suface ballistic missile.
Kartarpur corridor agreement in 2019: Facilitating visa-free travel for Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.

Conclusion

The Shimla Agreement has the potential to reset India-Pakistan relations as its principles of bilateralism and peaceful coexistence provided a framework for stability. Moving forward, both nations may draw upon the spirit of the Shimla agreement to overcome historical grievances and foster mutual trust.