What is the Simla Agreement that may be suspended in retaliation to India halting the Indus Waters Treaty

In retaliation for the Indian government's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the latter could announce the suspension of the Simla Agreement between the two nations, according to multiple media reports.

On Thursday, Pakistan suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, and paused limited trade with India.

Tensions between the two countries have reached an all-time high after a group of terrorists opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district on April 22, killing 26 civilians, mostly tourists

Tensions between the two countries have been on an all-time high after a group of terrorists opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district on April 22, killing 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

What is the Simla Agreement?

The Simla agreement, a significant peace treaty, was signed between India and Pakistan in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, after the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The war was triggered when India intervened in East Pakistan's (now Bangladesh) fight for independence.

The Simla agreement aimed to end the long-standing conflict between the two neighbours. Signed on July 2, it states that India and Pakistan “resolve to put an end to the conflict and confrontation… so that both countries may devote their resources and energies to the pressing task of advancing the welfare of their peoples.”

What does the Simla Agreement say?

The agreement outlines pivotal guidelines for both countries to follow.

1. The principles and the Charter of the United Nations will govern the relations between the two countries.
2. The two countries should settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral talks or negotiations. The agreement also says that both countries should not encourage acts which may harm the harmonious relationship between the two countries.
3. The two countries should maintain peace and good neighbourliness by committing to peaceful co-existence, respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
4. The agreement also says that both countries will take steps to prevent hostile propaganda against each other.

You can read the full agreement here.

The agreement also lays out ways in which India and Pakistan can “restore and normalise” relations, starting with resuming of communication, including sea, postal, and air links, between the two countries, promoting travel facilities, and focusing on trade and co-operation between the two neighbours.

Under the Agreement, India returned over 13,000 km² of land it had seized during the war. However, India retained a few strategic areas, such as Turtuk, Dhothang, Tyakshi, and Chalunka in the Chorbat Valley.

What does the Simla Agreement say about the LoC?

According to the agreement, both countries agreed to withdraw their forces to their side of the international border, respect the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir without attempting to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of differences.

“Both sides further undertake to refrain from the threat of the use of force in violation of this Line,” the agreement reads.

The agreement was signed by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

The Simla Agreement came into force on August 4, 1972.