The tragic killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has triggered a serious diplomatic rift between India and Pakistan.
Although ties between the two countries had long remained strained, the recent terror attack has significantly worsened the relationship. In response, Pakistan has announced the suspension of the Simla Agreement of 1972 — a critical development in South Asia’s fragile balance.
But what exactly is this 53-year-old accord, and why does its suspension matter?
Understanding the Simla Agreement
Signed on July 2, 1972, in Shimla by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the Simla Agreement aimed to establish lasting peace after the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 — a conflict that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani troops.
The agreement declared both countries’ commitment to “end conflict and confrontation” and focus on promoting friendly relations and regional welfare. Indira Gandhi described it at the time as a “very important beginning” for future Indo-Pakistani ties. Yet, in the decades since, the agreement’s principles have often been disregarded.
Key Provisions
Under the Simla Agreement, India and Pakistan pledged to:
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Withdraw troops to their respective sides of the international border.
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Respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Avoid interfering in each other’s internal affairs.
The ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir (as of December 17, 1971) was renamed the Line of Control (LOC), which both sides agreed to honor, refraining from altering it unilaterally or using force.
Additionally, the two nations committed to normalising relations by reopening trade routes, border posts, and travel links. However, in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, borders have been closed, trade suspended, and Pakistani nationals asked to leave India.
The agreement also stressed resolving disputes “through peaceful means” and “bilateral negotiations,” a commitment that has now been called into question with the pact’s suspension.
What Lies Ahead?
The Simla Agreement was a political — not legally binding — commitment that largely rested on mutual goodwill. India has long invoked it to assert that the Kashmir issue must be resolved bilaterally, without third-party mediation such as by the United Nations.
Pakistan’s suspension of the agreement marks a significant deterioration in bilateral relations. Whether diplomatic efforts will eventually revive the pact remains uncertain.
