The Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in 1972 as a peace measure after the India-Pakistan 1971 War.
- 1971 war led to the creation of new nation of Bangladesh out of East Pakistan.
Key Highlights of Simla Agreement
- Bilateral Resolution of Disputes: Both countries agreed to resolve all outstanding issues through bilateral negotiations, excluding any third-party intervention.
- Both sides also agreed to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
- Line of Control (LOC): The ceasefire line that existed after the war on 17th December, 1971 in Jammu and Kashmir was transformed into the Line of Control (LoC).
- Normalisation of Relations: Steps shall be taken to resume communications including border posts, promote travel facilities, trade and economic cooperation, and exchanges in science and culture.
Important outcomes of the Agreement
- Led to Pakistan's diplomatic recognition of Bangladesh, and release of around 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war captured by India.
- India returned over 13,000 km² of land seized during the war except a few strategic areas in the Chorbat Valley (approx. 883 km²), part of the Shyok river valley in Ladakh.