Suspension of the Simla Agreement

• 25 Apr 2025

For Prelims: Line of Control, Simla Agreement of 1972, United Nations, Article 370, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation 

For Mains: Indo-Pakistan Bilateral Relations,  Strategic implications of Pakistan suspending the Simla Agreement, India’s nuclear doctrine and strategic autonomy 

Source:IE 

Why in News? 

Following India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan announced that it would place the Simla Agreement of 1972 in abeyance. 

• This decision has raised concerns about the future of peace and stability in the region, especially regarding the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. 

What is the Simla Agreement? 

• About: The Simla Agreement was a bilateral treaty signed on 2nd July 1972 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, between Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. 
  • It came in the aftermath of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) and a decisive Indian military victory. 
  • The accord aimed to normalize relations, end hostilities, and create a blueprint for peaceful coexistence and bilateralism. 
• Key Provisions:  
  • Reference to UN Charter: The principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter were outlined to govern bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. 
    • It countered previous UN resolutions (like UNSC Resolution 47) that called for a plebiscite in Kashmir. 
  • Peaceful settlement of disputes: Both nations pledged to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir, bilaterally without third-party intervention. 
  • Respect for sovereignty: The countries agreed to respect each other’s territorial integrity, political independence, and non-interference in internal affairs. 
  • Redrawing of the ceasefire line: The 1971 ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was re-designated as the Line of Control (LoC), with both sides committing not to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of differences. 
  • Normalization of diplomatic ties: The agreement called for resuming communications, travel, and trade links, aiming to restore diplomatic and economic relations. 
  • Release of prisoners of war: India agreed to release over 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war, one of the largest post-war releases in history. 

Note: While the Simla Agreement aimed to resolve the Kashmir issue, it fell short of addressing the region's broader political status. The LoC, instead of being a temporary measure, became a de facto border, leaving the core dispute unresolved. Additionally, the absence of a strong enforcement mechanism has led to recurring violations. 

What are the Potential Implications of Suspension of the Simla Agreement? 

• Shift from Bilateralism to Internationalization: With the bilateral framework of the Simla Agreement in abeyance, there might be calls for international mediation or intervention in resolving disputes. 
  • Pakistan may seek third-party involvement, such as the UN, or allies like China, or the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to internationalize the Kashmir conflict, contravening the Simla Agreement. 
• Proxy Warfare Risks: Pakistan has previously violated the agreement (e.g., the 1984 Siachen incursion, 1999 Kargil War).  
  • The suspension could potentially revive proxy warfare tactics that the Simla framework aimed to curb. 
• Increased Diplomatic and Military Tensions: The suspension of the Simla Agreement may not have immediate tactical consequences, but could open the door to greater diplomatic and military brinkmanship.  
  • Any revival of hostilities or border instability can derail developmental and democratic consolidation efforts in J&K post Article 370 abrogation. 
  • The potential for conflict between two nuclear-armed states raises alarms in the international community, prompting calls for restraint and dialogue.  
• Influence on Multilateral Cooperation: The breakdown in bilateral agreements may affect cooperation in regional organizations like South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), hindering collective efforts on issues like counter-terrorism and economic development. 

What Measures Should India Adopt to Tighten Security Along the LoC?

• Deployment of Anti-Drone Defense Systems: Install anti-drone radars and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based detection systems to counter growing drone-based smuggling and surveillance along the LoC. Collaborate with Israeli "Drone Dome" technology for enhanced response capabilities. 
• Enhanced Surveillance Using Satellite and UAV Technologies: Integrate real-time satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles patrols (like Heron TP drones), and ground-based radar data for seamless 24x7 monitoring.  
  • Employ AI-driven analytics to detect unusual movements or tunnel activities. 
• Strengthening Counter-Infiltration Grids: Refine multi-layered counter-infiltration grids involving army, Border Security Force (BSF), local police, and intelligence units. 
  • Regularly revise SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) based on seasonal changes and enemy tactics. 
• Community Engagement and Village Defence Committees (VDCs): Revive and empower Village Defence Committees (especially in Anantnag) with proper arms training, intelligence gathering roles, and early warning systems.  
  • Foster community-police-military collaboration to build a “first line of alert.” 
• Comprehensive Border Fencing Modernization: As a long term measure, there is a need to replace traditional barbed-wire fences with smart fences equipped with infrared sensors, laser walls, and seismic detectors under projects like Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). 
  • Accelerate fencing in vulnerable sectors such as Gurez, Uri, and Poonch, where infiltration routes are active. 

Conclusion 

The suspension of the Simla Agreement provides India an opportunity to recalibrate its security and diplomatic strategies. Strengthening LoC defences and international alliances is crucial. India can leverage this incident to highlight Pakistan’s role in terror financing. It also strengthens the case for Pakistan’s re-listing in the Financial Action Task Force grey list. 

Read more: Pahalgam Terror Attack and Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty 

Drishti Mains Question:

Critically analyze the significance of the Simla Agreement in shaping post-1971 India-Pakistan relations. What could be the implications of its suspension?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims:

Q1. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (2021) 

(a) Chenab 

(b) Jhelum 

(c) Ravi 

(d) Sutlej 

Ans: (d) 

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Mains: 

Q. "Increasing cross border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)." Explain with suitable examples. (2016)

Q. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India – Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples. (2015)