Simla Agreement and Its Suspension by Pakistan (2025)

1. On April 24, 2025, Pakistan suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement and closed its airspace to Indian flights.
2. This decision followed a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 1 Nepalese national.
3. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, while Pakistan denied involvement and counter-accused India of supporting terrorism within its borders.
4. In retaliation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic ties, closed the only land border crossing, expelled Pakistani military advisers, and recalled its own.
5. Pakistan warned that any disruption of the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an act of war. ​

Pakistan's Response : Official statement from Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)

1. Closed airspace to Indian flights
2. Rejected India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and also Declared such actions would be treated as an “Act of War”.
3. Expelled Indian diplomats and military advisers
4. Closed the only land Attari border crossing with India.
5. Pakistan's Stance: Pakistan denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack and accused India of supporting terrorism within its borders.​

Background of the Simla Agreement

1. The Simla Agreement was signed on 2 July 1972.
2. It was signed in Shimla, which is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India.
3. The agreement was a peace deal between India and Pakistan.
4. It was signed after the end of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
5. The signatories were Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (India) and President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Pakistan).
6. This war started because of the situation in East Pakistan, which is now called Bangladesh.
7. People in East Pakistan were unhappy with the central government in West Pakistan.
8. They wanted more political rights and equal treatment.
9. In March 1971, the Pakistan Army started Operation Searchlight to stop the freedom movement in East Pakistan.
10. The army used violence and force against civilians, students, and political leaders.
11. This led to widespread human rights abuses.
12. As a result, around 10 million people fled from East Pakistan and came to India as refugees.
13. The situation became a major humanitarian crisis.
14. India decided to support the people of East Pakistan and help them in their fight for independence.
15. On 3 December 1971, Pakistan attacked Indian airbases in the west, starting a full war.
16. India responded by fighting on both the eastern and western fronts.
17. The Indian Army worked together with the Mukti Bahini, the freedom fighters of East Pakistan.
18. The war lasted for 13 days, from 3 December to 16 December 1971.
19. It became one of the shortest wars in modern history.
20. India achieved a complete victory in the war.
21. On 16 December 1971, Pakistani forces in East Pakistan surrendered to the Indian Army in Dhaka.
22. This led to the creation of a new country, called Bangladesh.
23. India captured over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers, which became the largest number of prisoners of war since World War II.
24. A ceasefire was announced on 17 December 1971.
25. After the war, India and Pakistan decided to meet and work on a peace agreement.
26. The goal was to return to normal relations, discuss the return of prisoners and land, and avoid future wars.
27. This led to the signing of the Simla Agreement in July 1972.

Main Principles of the Simla Agreement

1. India and Pakistan agreed to base their relations on the UN Charter.
2. They committed to resolving all disputes peacefully and bilaterally.
3. They agreed that no third party would be involved in dispute resolution.
4. Both sides promised to refrain from altering the situation unilaterally.
5. They pledged to maintain peace and harmony.
6. They affirmed mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
7. They agreed to non-interference in internal matters.
8. They renounced the use or threat of force.
9. They committed to respecting each other's political independence and equality.
10. They aimed to resolve all issues through dialogue and cooperation.

Key Outcomes of the Simla Agreement

1. The 1971 ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was renamed the Line of Control (LoC).
2. Both sides agreed to respect the LoC and not alter it unilaterally.
3. India returned over 13,000 square kilometres of territory captured during the war.
4. However, India retained strategic areas like Turtuk and Chalunka in Ladakh.
5. The agreement led to the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners of war.
6. It also paved the way for Pakistan’s later recognition of Bangladesh in 1974.
7. The agreement became the foundation of India’s bilateral policy towards Pakistan.

Suspension of the Simla Agreement by Pakistan – 24 April 2025

1. Pakistan announced the suspension of the Simla Agreement on 24 April 2025.
2. This decision followed a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
3. The attack resulted in widespread grief and national mourning in India.
4. India took strong counter-terror operations in response.
5. Pakistan viewed these actions as hostile.
6. In reaction, it decided to suspend the Simla Agreement unilaterally.

Why the Suspension Matters

1. The Simla Agreement was the main diplomatic framework for resolving India-Pakistan issues.
2. Its suspension undermines the bilateral resolution principle.
3. Pakistan may now attempt to involve third parties such as the UN, China, or OIC.
4. This move contradicts the core principles of the agreement.
5. India has consistently rejected international intervention in the Kashmir issue.
6. The suspension shows a strategic policy shift by Pakistan.

Impact on the Line of Control (LoC)

1. The LoC has been a tense border region for decades.
2. It frequently sees ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.
3. The Simla Agreement helped to maintain stability along the LoC.
4. Suspending it may result in increased military incidents.
5. There is now a greater risk of conflict escalation in border areas.

India’s Position on the Suspension

1. India has not issued an official response yet.
2. However, India is expected to reaffirm its commitment to bilateralism.
3. India is also likely to reject any attempts at internationalisation.
4. The Indian government may step up internal security and diplomatic efforts.

Future Implications

1. The suspension may further deteriorate diplomatic ties.
2. There is a risk of military confrontation along the LoC.
3. Pakistan may try to raise the Kashmir issue on global platforms.
4. India may respond by building stronger international alliances.
5. There is likely to be greater diplomatic and military posturing from both sides.
6. This development could affect regional peace and security in South Asia.