On July 2, the Shimla Agreement completed its 52nd anniversary, which was signed on this day in 1972, just after the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto signed the agreement.
About Shimla Agreement
- The 1971 holds special significance for the world as it resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan. The post-war tensions paved the way for the Shimla Agreement to establish peace and revitalise bilateral relations between the two countries.
- Besides normalising relations with Pakistan, India participated in the agreement with the aim of resolving the Kashmir dispute bilaterally, without involving the world. Both countries agreed to respect the Line of Control (LoC).
- The Agreement emphasised the peaceful resolution of contentious issues between India and Pakistan. Both countries showed respect for the international border and withdrew forces to their respective sides.
- Most importantly, the Agreement made ways for further meetings in the future to resolve various issues and keep improving their relations.
The failure of the Agreement
- The Agreement did not prove effective in ensuring long-lasting peace across borders. Their issues still create problems in the path of achieving peace and improving bilateral relations.
- Both countries became nuclear powers, posing a threat to each other. They conducted nuclear tests to safeguard themselves from each other, showcasing mistrust in their relations.
About Indo-Pak Wars
- The relationship between India and Pakistan has been problematic since independence. Firstly, the forces of the two sides fought immediately after independence in 1947-48 over Kashmir’s integration.
- India and Pakistan again met on the battlefield in 1965 due to border disputes. With UN intervention, the war stopped.
- In 1971, India supported East Pakistan’s movement for independence, resulting in a direct battle between India and Pakistan.
- In 1999, Pakistan started the Kargil War by supporting infiltration into Indian territory. India successfully protected its territory and won the war. However, this war severely impacted the relationship and trust between these nations.
Concerns with Pakistan
- Despite choosing the path of democracy, Pakistan could not implement its principles in the true sense. Mostly, the governments have showcased dictatorial characteristics with unnecessary hatred for India.
- Despite several talks and promises, Pakistan could not control terrorists who use its land to plan attacks on India. Many terror attacks in India have links with Pakistan-based terrorist organisations, such as the Mumbai attack in 2008 and recently Pulwama attack in 2016.
- Terrorism has also affected Pakistan, killing prominent personalities and innocent citizens and hampering economic progress. Besides, it also impacted Pak’s relationship with other countries. It becomes critical for Pakistan to take some concrete measures to address this issue.
The Shimla Agreement was a good attempt to amicably resolve contentious issues and ensure peace. For economic progress and regional peace, the implementation of the provisions of the Agreement was critical.
