Key Agreements Between Pakistan and India Since 1947

The relationship between Pakistan and India has experienced periods of cooperation and conflict since Partition, impacting diplomacy, culture, politics, and trade. Bilateral agreements have mirrored this fluctuating dynamic.

Following the recent attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, the Indian government accused Pakistan of involvement without providing evidence. India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.

Pakistan has cautioned India that it may suspend all bilateral deals, including the Shimla Agreement. Islamabad has announced the closure of the Wagah border and suspension of trade with India, among other actions.

Here’s a review of major agreements signed between Pakistan and India since 1947:

Major Agreements

  • Liaquat-Nehru Pact (1950):
    • Safeguarding Minority Rights:

    In April 1950, Prime Ministers Liaquat Ali Khan and Jawaharlal Nehru established a consensus to protect the rights of minorities in both countries. Both governments were to ensure protection for minority communities, offering equal employment opportunities, freedom of movement, and a commission to monitor implementation. This agreement followed the widespread violence of Partition.

  • Indus Waters Treaty (1960):
    • Water Rights and Responsibilities:

    Brokered by the World Bank, this treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, defined water usage rights for the Indus River system. After six years of discussions, President Ayub Khan of Pakistan and Prime Minister Nehru of India signed the agreement.

    Pakistan gained control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), while India controlled the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej). The treaty included provisions for water infrastructure development and established the Permanent Indus Commission for cooperation and dispute resolution. India recently suspended this treaty after almost 65 years.

  • Shimla Agreement (1972):
    • Resolving Conflicts Bilaterally:

    During the Ayub Khan era, the Shimla Agreement was signed by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of Pakistan and Indira Gandhi of India. It committed both countries to resolving conflicts through bilateral discussions and avoiding unilateral actions. The ceasefire line was converted into the Line of Control (LoC).

    The agreement addressed the Kashmir issue, emphasizing peaceful resolution and commitment to lasting peace.

  • Religious Pilgrimage Protocol (1974):
    • Facilitating Religious Visits:

    In 1974, both countries agreed to facilitate religious pilgrimage, allowing devotees to visit religious sites. By 2018, 15 sites in Pakistan and five in India were open for pilgrims.

    Sites included Shadani Darbar in Sindh, Katasraj Dham in Chakwal, Gurudwara Panja Sahib, and Gurudwaras of Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. In India, destinations included Nizamuddin Dargah, Amir Khusro’s tomb, and Ajmer Sharif Dargah.

  • Agreement on Nuclear Installations (1988):
    • Exchanging Information:

    Signed on December 13, 1988, this agreement required both countries to annually exchange information on their nuclear facilities on January 1. It also prohibited actions that could damage or destroy the other’s nuclear assets. The pact took effect on January 22, 1991.

  • Agreement on Airspace Violations (1991):
    • Minimizing Risks:

    Signed on April 6, 1991, this deal aimed to reduce airspace violations by establishing guidelines for military aircraft, including maintaining a 10-kilometer distance from each other’s air territories and requiring authorization for airspace entry above territorial waters.

  • Lahore Declaration (1999):
    • Promoting Peace and Security:

    In February 1999, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Pakistan and formalized the Lahore Declaration with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The agreement aimed to foster peace and security and address outstanding issues, including Kashmir, through negotiations. This process was disrupted by the Kargil conflict but resumed in 2004.

  • Missile Test Notification Agreement (2005):
    • Providing Prior Notice:

    In 2005, both countries agreed to provide at least three days’ notice before conducting flight tests of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. The launch site should be no closer than 40km from the Line of Control or International Boundary, and the impact zone should be no closer than 75km from these borders.

  • Agreement on Reducing Nuclear Accidents (2007):
    • Enhancing Nuclear Safety:

    Effective from February 21, 2007, this agreement aimed to enhance the safety and security of nuclear assets, requiring notification in case of a nuclear accident and measures to reduce radiological effects. It was extended in 2012 and 2017.

  • Ceasefire Agreement (2003):
    • Ensuring Ceasefire:

    In November 2003, both nations agreed to a ceasefire along the Working Boundary and LoC. Violations increased after 2008, particularly after 2014. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire in 2021.