Pakistan Suspends Simla Agreement- Important Details (History, Background, Prelims Facts, PYQs)
What is Simla Agreement, 1972? The Simla Agreement of 1972 remains a significant landmark in the diplomatic history of India and Pakistan. Signed on July 2, 1972, following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, this agreement aimed to normalize relations between the two neighboring nations.
Historical Background
The Simla Agreement came in the aftermath of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, during which India supported East Pakistan in becoming the independent nation of Bangladesh. This resulted in a comprehensive defeat for Pakistan, which culminated in the surrender of approximately 93,000 Pakistani soldiers.
Important Facts About the Agreement
• Date Signed: July 2, 1972
• Leaders Involved:
• India: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
• Pakistan: President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
• Venue: Simla (now Shimla), Himachal Pradesh, India
Main Provisions of the Simla Agreement
1. Peaceful Resolution of Disputes:
• Commitment by both nations to settle differences peacefully through bilateral negotiations without third-party intervention.
2. Line of Control (LoC):
• Establishment of the ceasefire line in Jammu & Kashmir as the Line of Control (LoC).
3. Prisoners of War (PoWs):
• India agreed to release approximately 93,000 Pakistani PoWs captured during the 1971 war.
4. Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty:
• Respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty by both countries.
Importance for UPSC Prelims
• Prelims PYQs and Important Points:
• The Simla Agreement replaced the 1949 ceasefire line with the Line of Control.
• The agreement underlines bilateral resolution of disputes.
• Remember the leaders and exact date of signing as factual details.
Importance for UPSC Mains
• GS Paper II (International Relations):
• Analyze the significance of the Simla Agreement in shaping India-Pakistan relations.
• Examine its effectiveness and the challenges faced post-agreement.
• GS Paper I (History Post-Independence):
• Evaluate the impact of the Simla Agreement on India’s strategic interests in South Asia.
Practice MCQs for Prelims
Q1. Who were the signatories of the 1972 Simla Agreement?
• A) Indira Gandhi and Ayub Khan
• B) Lal Bahadur Shastri and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
• C) Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
• D) Morarji Desai and Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq
Answer: C
Q2. The Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan was established under which agreement?
• A) Karachi Agreement, 1949
• B) Simla Agreement, 1972
• C) Lahore Declaration, 1999
• D) Tashkent Declaration, 1966
Answer: B
Q3. Which of the following statements about the Simla Agreement is incorrect?
• A) It promoted bilateral negotiations to resolve disputes.
• B) It involved the release of around 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war.
• C) It was mediated by the United Nations.
• D) It replaced the 1949 ceasefire line with the Line of Control.
Answer: C
Mains Practice Question
• “Discuss the significance of the Simla Agreement (1972) in the context of India-Pakistan bilateral relations. What challenges has it faced in ensuring lasting peace between the two nations?”
(250 words)
