Shimla Agreement: The Foundation of India-Pakistan Ties That Pakistan Now Threatens to Break

April 24, 2025, New Delhi — In a dramatic turn of events following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India’s firm diplomatic and strategic steps have sent shockwaves across the border. In retaliation, Pakistan’s National Security Committee has threatened to nullify the historic Shimla Agreement. But what exactly is this agreement, and why is Pakistan using it as a political tool?

🕰️ The Birth of the Shimla Agreement

Signed on July 2, 1972, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, the Shimla Agreement was a result of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The agreement was signed between then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Following Pakistan’s defeat, over 90,000 of its soldiers were captured by India, and nearly 5,000 square miles of West Pakistani territory came under Indian control. The Shimla Agreement paved the way for future diplomatic relations between the two nations.

📃 Key Provisions of the Shimla Agreement

Peaceful Resolution of Disputes – Both nations agreed to resolve their differences through direct dialogue.

No Third-Party Mediation – Neither side would involve any external entity, including the UN or other nations.

Respect for the Line of Control (LoC) – The LoC in Jammu & Kashmir would be mutually recognized and not altered unilaterally.

As part of the agreement, India released all captured Pakistani soldiers unconditionally and returned the occupied land—an extraordinary gesture aimed at fostering long-term peace.

⚠️ Why Is Pakistan Raising This Now?

India’s recent moves—suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, tightening visa policies, and reducing staff at the Pakistan High Commission—have put Pakistan under severe diplomatic pressure. In response, Pakistan has threatened to withdraw from the Shimla Agreement, a move seen by experts as more symbolic than serious.

🔍 What If Pakistan Pulls Out?

Terminating the Shimla Agreement would signal that Pakistan is abandoning the commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. It would damage its international credibility and affirm India's long-held position that all issues must be resolved bilaterally.

📌 Conclusion

The Shimla Agreement is not merely a diplomatic paper—it’s the foundation of India-Pakistan relations. Pakistan’s threat to revoke it is an act of desperation triggered by India’s firm stand against terrorism. New Delhi has made it clear: Kashmir and other issues are bilateral, and no external power has a say.

Revoking the Shimla Agreement won’t just harm peace prospects—it will isolate Pakistan further on the global stage.