What is the Simla Agreement? Check Key Changes After Suspension

The Simla Agreement of 1972 has been a bedrock of India-Pakistan relations for more than half a century. The recent suspension by Pakistan is a major development in South Asian diplomacy. Hereafter is a factual background of the Simla Agreement and the significant changes after it was suspended.

What is the Simla Agreement?

• The Simla Agreement (also known as Shimla Agreement) is a two-state peace accord signed on 2 July 1972 at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
• It was signed after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, in which Bangladesh was formed from the then-East Pakistan.
• The Simla Agreement had the intent to bring peace, normalize relations, and frame guidelines for future interactions between the two nations.

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Major Clauses of the Simla Agreement

• Settlement of Disputes Peacefully: Both nations committed to settling all the disputes, including the Kashmir conflict, through mutual negotiations, categorically rejecting third-party mediation.
• Respect for Sovereignty: Both sides pledged to respect the territorial integrity and political sovereignty of the other, and not to interfere in the internal affairs of the other.
• Redrawing of Ceasefire Line: The 1971 ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was renamed the Line of Control (LoC). Both sides undertook not to unilaterally change this line.
• Restoration of Diplomatic Relations: The accord provided for the restoration of diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations, such as communications, travel, and trade connections.
• Release of Prisoners of War: India committed itself to the release of more than 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war who were taken captive during the war in 1971.
• Return of Territory: India handed back more than 13,000 km² of seized territory, while holding on to some strategic locations like Turtuk and Chalunka in the Chorbat Valley.

Also Checkout: History of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK)

Historical Significance of Simla Agreement

The Simla Agreement was a formal conclusion of hostilities following the 1971 war and provided a framework of bilateralism that has influenced later India-Pakistan diplomatic relations.

It has been continuously invoked by India to resist international mediation in the Kashmir conflict, highlighting the bilateral nature of conflict resolution as defined in the agreement.

Key Changes After Suspension of the Simla Agreement

On April 24, 2025, Pakistan suspended the Simla Agreement as a reaction to recent actions by India after the recent incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This move brings about some changes in the diplomatic scenario:

1. Change from Bilateralism to Possible Internationalization

The suspension may open the door for Pakistan to approach third parties, such as the United Nations or friends like China and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to resolve the issue of Kashmir.

This is a deviation from the bilateral model that the Simla Agreement required the two nations to maintain previously.

2. Impact on the Line of Control (LoC)

Suspension of the agreement might influence the reciprocal commitment to uphold the sanctity of the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the absence of the framework of the agreement, increased hostilities or alterations in the management of the LoC are a possibility.

3. Suspension of Diplomatic and Cross-Border Ties

Pakistan has also said it would close the Wagah border, stopping all cross-border traffic from India, and closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

These measures further restrict diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

4. Risk of More Diplomatic Brinkmanship

The suspension could lead to more diplomatic and military brinkmanship, with either side possibly taking more aggressive positions.

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Simla Agreement vs. Post-Suspension Scenario

The Simla Agreement has been a central pillar in India-Pakistan relations since 1972, with an emphasis on bilateralism and peaceful coexistence. Its suspension by Pakistan in April 2025 is a dramatic turn, potentially affecting disagreement resolution, border handling, and regional security. Its complete impact will be contingent upon future diplomacy and politics by both nations.

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