Tashkent Agreement: After the Indo-Pak War of 1965, both countries faced international pressure to resolve their differences. The Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin invited the Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Pakistani President Ayub Khan to Tashkent in January 1966 for peace talks. The Tashkent Agreement was signed on January 10, 1966.
Key Points of the Tashkent Agreement:
- Ceasefire: Both India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to withdraw their armed forces to the positions they held before the conflict.
- Restoration of Economic and Diplomatic Relations: The agreement called for the restoration of economic and diplomatic relations, as well as trade and communications.
- Return of Territories: Both sides agreed to return the territories captured during the conflict. This included the withdrawal of Indian forces from some parts of West Pakistan and Pakistani forces from some parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Prisoners of War (PoWs): The Tashkent Agreement facilitated the exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of civilian abductees.
- Future Dialogue: It was agreed that both countries would work towards normalizing their relations and finding a lasting solution to their disputes, including the Kashmir issue, through peaceful means.
- Non-Resumption of Hostilities: Both sides pledged not to resort to the use of force and to settle their differences through peaceful means.
Tragically, Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, the day after signing the agreement. Despite this, the Tashkent Agreement remained in effect and played a significant role in stabilizing the situation between India and Pakistan.
The agreement, however, did not lead to a lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue or the underlying tensions between the two countries, and further conflicts would arise in the years that followed.
Operation Gibraltar and Operation Grand Slam:
- Operation Gibraltar: This was a covert operation launched by Pakistan in August 1965. Trained infiltrators were sent into the Kashmir Valley to incite pro-Pakistan protests and create conditions for military intervention. The operation was named after the famous Moorish victory in medieval Spain. The infiltrators were meant to incite local support for Pakistan.
- Objective of Operation Gibraltar: The primary objective of Operation Gibraltar was to provoke a widespread insurgency in the Kashmir Valley, ultimately leading to the accession of the region to Pakistan.
- Indian Response: Upon learning of the infiltrations, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri ordered the Indian Army to cross the Line of Control (LoC) and seal the passes used by infiltrators. This marked the beginning of full-scale hostilities between India and Pakistan.
- Operation Grand Slam: When Operation Gibraltar did not achieve the desired results, Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam. This was a major military offensive by Pakistan in the Chhamb sector of southwest Jammu and Kashmir. The offensive involved a combined tank and infantry assault.
- Indian Counterattack: In response to Operation Grand Slam, Lal Bahadur Shastri not only ordered the defense of Kashmir but also authorized the opening of a new front in the regions of Lahore and Sialkot, targeting Pakistan. This move significantly expanded the scope of the conflict.
- Outcomes: The conflict led to intense fighting in various sectors, with both sides experiencing gains and losses. The situation escalated to a point where international intervention was required to bring about a ceasefire.
Ultimately, the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966 facilitated a ceasefire and the withdrawal of forces, though it did not provide a definitive resolution to the longstanding issues between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding Kashmir.
International Response and Gains for India:
International Response:
- The escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan in 1965 raised concerns among the superpowers. The United States and Britain responded by cutting off arms, food, and other supplies to both countries.
- China openly supported Pakistan, considering India as the aggressor. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, discouraged China from further aiding Pakistan.
- The United Nations Security Council intervened and pressured both India and Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire.
- The war resulted in significant losses in terms of military personnel, tanks, aircraft, etc., leading to its classification as an inconclusive conflict.
Gains for India:
(a) Foiled Infiltration of Kashmir: India successfully thwarted Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar, which aimed to incite insurgency in the Kashmir Valley.
(b) Restored Pride and Confidence: The victory in the 1965 war helped India recover from the blow to its pride, prestige, and self-confidence that had been dealt by the defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
(c) Political Unity and Strength: The war contributed to a sense of political unity and strength in India. The nation came together in the face of external aggression, fostering a spirit of unity.
FAQs
1. What is the Tashkent Agreement?
A: The Tashkent Agreement was a peace agreement signed between India and Pakistan on January 10, 1966, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It aimed to resolve the ongoing conflict between the two countries following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
2. What were the main provisions of the Tashkent Agreement?
A: The key provisions of the Tashkent Agreement included the withdrawal of troops to pre-war positions, the release of prisoners of war, and a commitment to resolve disputes through peaceful means. Both nations also agreed to work towards improving bilateral relations and to refrain from the threat or use of force.
3. Who were the signatories of the Tashkent Agreement?
A: Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri and President of Pakistan Ayub Khan were the signatories of the Tashkent Agreement. The agreement was brokered by Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin.
4. What were the circumstances surrounding Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death?
A: Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Prime Minister of India, passed away on January 11, 1966, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, just a day after signing the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan. The exact cause of his death remains controversial, with some speculating foul play, while others attribute it to natural causes like a heart attack.
5. What impact did the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri have on India and the Tashkent Agreement?
A: Shastri’s sudden demise was a significant blow to India, leading to grief and uncertainty within the nation. It also raised questions about the future of the Tashkent Agreement and Indo-Pak relations. However, despite his death, the Tashkent Agreement remained in effect, marking a crucial step towards peace between the two nations.
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