What is the Simla Agreement? Check Key Changes After Suspension

The Simla Agreement in 1972 has become the bedrock of India-Pakistan relations for more than half a century. Pakistan’s recent moratorium is a major development in South Asia’s diplomacy. The following is the factual background of the Simla Agreement and a significant change in the agreement.

What is the Simla protocol?

• The SIMLA Agreement (also known as the Shimla Agreement) was a two-state peace agreement signed on July 2, 1972 in Shimla, India, in Himal Pradesh, India, and was signed by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
• It was signed after the India-Pakistan War in 1971, and Bangladesh was composed of Pakistan at that time.
• The purpose of the SIMLA Agreement is to bring peace, normalized relations and framework guidelines to future interactions between the two countries.

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Key terms of the SIMLA Agreement

• Peaceful settlement of disputes: The two countries are committed to resolving all disputes, including the Kashmir conflict, through mutual negotiations, and have explicitly rejected third-party mediation.
• Respect for sovereignty: Both sides promise to respect the territorial integrity and political sovereignty of others, rather than interfering in the other’s internal affairs.
• Refresh the ceasefire line: Jamu and Kashmir’s 1971 ceasefire line was renamed to the Line of Control (LOC). Both sides promise not to unilaterally change this line.
• Restoring diplomatic relations: Agreements for restoring diplomatic, economic and cultural relations, such as communications, travel and trade ties.
• Release of Prisoners of War: India is committed to the release of more than 93,000 Pakistani Prisoners of War who were captured during the 1971 war.
• Return of the Territory: India handed over more than 13,000 square kilometers of territory while insisting on some strategic locations, such as Turtuk and Chalunka in the Curbat Valley.

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The historical significance of the Simla agreement

The SIMLA Agreement was the formal conclusion of hostilities after the 1971 war and provided a bilateral framework that influenced later India-Pakistan diplomatic relations.

India has been citing India’s international mediation in the Kashmir conflict, highlighting the bilateral nature of the conflict resolution defined in the agreement.

Key changes after Simla protocol pause

On April 24, 2025, Pakistan suspended the Simla Agreement as a reaction to India’s latest recent actions in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This move brought about some changes in the diplomatic scenario:

1. Transform from bilateralism to possible internationalization

The suspension could open doors for Pakistan to approach the United Nations or friends such as China and third parties such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to resolve the Kashmir issue.

This is a deviation from the bilateral model, and the SIMLA agreement requires both countries to maintain it previously.

2. Impact on the Line of Control (LOC)

The suspension of the agreement may affect mutual commitment to the sanctity of LOC located in Jamu and Kashmir.

In the absence of a protocol framework, the possibility increases hostilities or changes in LOC management.

3. Suspension of diplomacy and cross-border tie

Pakistan also said it would close the Wagah border, block all cross-border traffic from India and close its airspace to Indian airlines.

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These measures further limit diplomacy, economy and human-to-person communication between the two countries.

4. There are more risks on the edge of diplomacy

The suspension may lead to more diplomatic and military marginalism, and either side may take a more aggressive stance.

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Simla protocol and levitation back scene

aspect	According to Simla Agreement	After suspension (April 2025)
Dispute resolution	Bilateral negotiations only	Possible third-party participation
Control line (LOC)	Mutual respect, no unilateral change	See more : List of Summits and Conferences in 2024 with Place and Host Country Potential for increasing tensions
Diplomatic relations	Recovery and normalization	Borders closed, engagement decreased
International Mediation	Exclude explicitly	Pakistan may seek
Territorial Commitment	Maintain the status quo	Uncertain, future actions

Since 1972, the SIMLA Agreement has been a central pillar of India-Pakistan relations, focusing on the coexistence of bilateralism and peace. Pakistan was suspended in April 2025, a dramatic shift that could affect disagreement resolution, border handling and regional security. Its total impact will depend on the future diplomacy and politics of both countries.

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