The Tashkent Agreement, also known as the Tashkent Declaration, is a peace agreement signed between India and Pakistan on January 10, 1966, following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. The agreement was signed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and aimed to bring an end to the hostilities between the two nations. Here are the salient features of the Tashkent Agreement.
1. Ceasefire: The Tashkent Agreement provided for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the Indian and Pakistani forces, both on land and in the air.
2. Withdrawal of forces: The agreement also called for the withdrawal of all military forces to the positions they held before the outbreak of hostilities. Both sides were directed to pull back their troops to their respective sides of the international border.
3. Resumption of diplomatic relations: The Tashkent Agreement facilitated the resumption of diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. The two nations agreed to restore normal relations and to work towards building mutual trust and understanding.
4. Talks on Kashmir: The agreement provided for the establishment of a commission to examine and resolve disputes between India and Pakistan, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The commission was tasked with developing proposals to resolve the conflict peacefully.
5. Repatriation of prisoners: Both India and Pakistan agreed to release and repatriate all prisoners of war and civilian internees within thirty days of the signing of the agreement.
6. Non-interference: The Tashkent Agreement emphasized the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of each other`s country. Both nations pledged to refrain from hostile propaganda and activities against each other.
7. Recognition of territorial integrity: The Tashkent Agreement affirmed the principle of respect for each other`s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Both sides pledged to refrain from the use of force to settle disputes and to seek peaceful solutions through dialogue and negotiations.
In conclusion, the Tashkent Agreement played a crucial role in ending the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and facilitated the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Although it did not result in a lasting solution to the Kashmir conflict, it remains an important milestone in the history of India-Pakistan relations.
