After the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government took several strong steps against Pakistan. In response, Pakistan also announced retaliatory measures, including closing the Wagah Border, suspending SAARC visa facilities, and denying Indian aircraft access to its airspace.
On Thursday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urgently called a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC). During this meeting, Pakistan accused India of violating international laws and UN resolutions and suspended the Shimla Agreement. Pakistan stated that it reserves the right to suspend all bilateral agreements with India.
This move has once again brought the Shimla Agreement into focus. Signed in 1972 after a decisive war between India and Pakistan, this agreement was intended to restore peace and rebuild diplomatic ties. But what exactly is the Shimla Agreement? Why is it important? What is its relevance today? And can Pakistan really cancel it? Let’s understand this in simple terms.
Background of the Shimla Agreement: The 1971 War
The 1971 war between India and Pakistan was fought over the independence of East Pakistan, now known as Bangladesh. The Pakistani army committed brutal atrocities in East Pakistan, forcing millions to take refuge in India. In response, India intervened militarily.
The war ended with a decisive Indian victory. Around 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army — the largest surrender after World War II — and a new country, Bangladesh, was created. India, despite being in a powerful position, chose the path of peace and stability. It invited Pakistan to talks, which led to the Shimla Agreement.
Shimla Agreement: When, Where, and Who Signed It
The Shimla Agreement was signed on 2nd July 1972 in the Indian city of Shimla. It was signed by then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan’s then-President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Bhutto arrived in Shimla with his daughter, Benazir Bhutto, on 28th June 1972. Despite his previous war rhetoric, Bhutto signed the agreement aiming for peace.
This agreement aimed not only to settle the post-war situation but also to build long-term peace between the two countries.
Main Clauses of the Shimla Agreement
- Principle of Bilateralism:
Both India and Pakistan agreed to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir, through bilateral talks. This meant that third-party mediation (e.g., by the UN or the US) was excluded.
This was a diplomatic victory for India. - No Use of Force:
Both nations pledged not to use violence or military force against each other and to resolve issues peacefully. - Establishment of the Line of Control (LoC):
A new LoC was drawn based on the positions of Indian and Pakistani forces after the 1971 war. Both countries agreed to respect this line. This LoC still acts as the de facto border. - Return of Prisoners and Land:
India released 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war without any precondition and returned most of the captured territory, showcasing its commitment to peace.
Importance of the Shimla Agreement: A Diplomatic Win for India
- It established Kashmir as a bilateral issue, preventing Pakistan from internationalising the matter.
- While Pakistan faced defeat and embarrassment, India projected a mature and peace-loving image globally.
- India continues to use the Shimla Agreement as legal ground to reject UN or foreign intervention in the Kashmir issue.
Kashmir and the Shimla Agreement
The Shimla Agreement had its most significant impact on the Kashmir dispute. Though the UN had once recommended a plebiscite in Kashmir (in 1948), the Shimla Agreement in 1972 made the issue strictly bilateral. Since then, India has consistently rejected any external involvement.
Also Read- What is the Indus Waters Treaty, and How Will India’s Restrictions Impact Pakistan?
Pakistan’s Repeated Violations of the Shimla Agreement
Despite agreeing to bilateral talks, Pakistan has consistently broken the terms of the Shimla Agreement. It has raised the Kashmir issue at various international platforms including the UN and OIC, only to face rejection.
A major breach occurred during the Kargil War in 1999, which happened even as India was making efforts to normalise relations (e.g., through the Lahore Bus Service). Pakistan’s betrayal in Kargil was seen as a stab in the back.
Can Pakistan Cancel the Shimla Agreement?
After the 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India took strict diplomatic action. In response, Pakistan claimed it was suspending all bilateral agreements, including the Shimla Agreement, unless India follows UN resolutions and international laws.
Technically, any country can withdraw from a treaty or agreement, but doing so hurts its global credibility. If Pakistan officially cancels the Shimla Agreement, it would also be acknowledging that Kashmir can no longer be resolved through peaceful talks. In that case, India too would no longer be bound by the agreement.
What If Pakistan Cancels the Shimla Agreement?
- It could completely shut down diplomatic dialogue between the two countries.
- Tensions on the LoC could increase, as both militaries would no longer be bound by its terms.
- The risk of future military conflicts may rise.
- Trust between the two nations would erode further, making peace more difficult in the future.