The Simla Agreement
Context:
Pakistan suspended the Simla Agreement amidst tensions over India’s move to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold.
- The Simla Agreement (1972) is an important pillar between both nations in maintaining bilateral peace after the 1971 war.
Relevance:
- GS2: India and its neighborhood, International Relations
- GS3: Security challenges, Treaty obligations
- Prelims: Key facts on Simla Agreement, Indus Waters Treaty
What’s the issue?
- The Simla Agreement served as the framework for peaceful bilateral engagement between India and Pakistan.
- Its suspension reflects rising tensions and the breakdown of diplomatic trust between the two nations.
Dimensions to Explore:
- Evolution of India-Pakistan Relations post-1972.
- Bilateral Treaties and International Law obligations.
- Role of the Indus Waters Treaty in regional geopolitics.
- Impact of Suspension: Increased risks of internationalization and third-party interventions.
- Historical Lessons: Importance of structured dialogue mechanisms.
Simla Agreement (1972):
- It was signed by the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan’s President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to establish peace after the 1971 War.
- Core Provisions of the Shimla Agreement:
- Bilateralism:
- All disputes are to be resolved through bilateral dialogue.
- No third-party mediation (including by the UN or other countries).
- Respect for Sovereignty: Mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
- Line of Control (LoC): Ceasefire line of 17 December 1971 was re-designated as the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Normalisation Measures: Restoration of diplomatic relations, communication links, promotion of trade, travel, scientific and cultural exchanges.
- Bilateralism:
Important Outcomes of the Simla Agreement:
- Pakistan diplomatically recognized the newly independent Bangladesh.
- India released around 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war.
- India returned over 13,000 km² of captured territory, except for strategic portions like Chorbat Valley (883 km²) in Ladakh.
Way Forward:
- Strengthening diplomatic backchannels to prevent escalation.
- Reaffirming bilateral frameworks as the basis for dispute resolution.
- Encouraging regional organisations like SAARC to facilitate peace-building efforts.
Prelims Practice Question:
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Simla Agreement (1972):
- It allowed third-party mediation under the supervision of the United Nations.
- It converted the ceasefire line of the 1971 war into the Line of Control (LoC).
- It was signed after the creation of Bangladesh.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
(Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect — Simla Agreement ruled out third-party mediation.)
Also know:
Indus Water Treaty (IWT) Overview:
- The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed by India and Pakistan in September 1960.
- It was signed after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank as a signatory.
- It established cooperation on the use of water from the Indus River and its tributaries—Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab.
