Pakistan suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement on Thursday as a response to strict measures taken by India during the countrywide mourning of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. It was a historic peace treaty signed between the two nations after the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war.
What is the Simla Agreement?
The agreement was meant to usher in peace and normalize relations between India and Pakistan. The war led to the secession of East Pakistan and the establishment of the sovereign state of Bangladesh following India's intervention. The treaty signed in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, was signed by then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It was a historic diplomatic triumph, setting the tone for post-war reconciliation and laying down important principles to guide future interactions.
What was the deal about?
"The Government of India and the Government of Pakistan are resolved that the two countries put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have hitherto marred their relations and work for the promotion of a friendly and harmonious relationship and the establishment of durable peace in the sub-continent, so that both countries may henceforth devote their resources and energies to the pressing task of advancing the welfare of their peoples," the official statement stated.
Key agreements:
- That the principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations shall apply to the relationship between the two nations.
- That the two countries are determined to settle their differences amicably through bilateral negotiations or through any other peaceful means acceptable to them.
- Until the final settlement of any of the matters between the two nations, neither shall unilaterally alter the status, and neither shall refrain from the organization, aid, or assistance of any action prejudicial to the continuation of peaceful and friendly relations.
- That the condition precedent to reconciliation, good neighborliness, and lasting peace between them is a pledge by both countries to peaceful co-existence, mutual respect for one another's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and non-interference in one another's internal affairs on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
- That the underlying causes of conflict and issues that have marred the two nations' relations over the past 25 years will be addressed by peaceful means.
- That they will always respect each other's national unity, territorial integrity, political independence and sovereign equality.
- That in accordance with the United Nations Charter they will not use or threaten to use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of each other.
Key provisions of the Simla Agreement
Some of the most important implications of the Simla Agreement were:
Peaceful bilateral settlement: The two countries committed to settling disputes bilaterally, not through third-party intervention — a clause India has always invoked in resisting international intervention, particularly in the Kashmir dispute.
Line of Control (LoC): The agreement transformed the 1971 ceasefire line into the Line of Control (LoC), de facto demarcating a border in Jammu and Kashmir. It stressed that neither party would attempt unilaterally to change this line, thereby ensuring the status quo.
Return of territory: India ceded more than 13,000 km² of war-occupied territory, showing goodwill and seriousness towards peace. However, it did hold on to strategic points such as Turtuk and Chalunka in the Chorbat Valley.
Recognition of Bangladesh: Although not immediate, the agreement paved the way for Pakistan's eventual diplomatic recognition of Bangladesh.
What does the suspension prove?
Pakistan's decision to suspend the pact comes at a time when the bilateral relationship itself is under heavy stress. The Indian decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 in August 2019 sparked a diplomatic chill between the two sides. Since then, Pakistan has downgraded relations and has internationalized the Kashmir dispute over and over again — in clear deviation from the bilateral approach envisioned under the Simla Agreement. The suspension would be a turning point in Pakistan's strategy. It would now perhaps invite third-party engagement — perhaps the United Nations, or its allies such as China or the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) — in order to take the Kashmir conflict international. That would be an outright violation of the Simla template.
Possible effect on the LoC
The LoC has long been the source of contention between the two countries, frequently experiencing ceasefire breaches, cross-border firings, and attempts to breach it. If the bilateral assurance of upholding the sanctity of the LoC in accordance with the Simla Agreement is not being followed, it would lead to increased hostilities. India is yet to release an official response to the Pakistani announcement.
What comes next?
Suspension of the Simla Agreement will not have immediate tactical implications but may result in increased diplomatic and military brinkmanship. It would destabilize the region and might scuttle the last chances of negotiations.