India and Pakistan have had a complicated and frequently strained relationship since they became independent in 1947.Despite multiple wars and ongoing disputes, the two nations have signed several important agreements to promote peace, cooperation, and mutual respect. Here are the most significant peace agreements between India and Pakistan:
1. Indus Waters Treaty (1960)
The Indus Waters Treaty is one of the most well-known agreements between India and Pakistan. It was brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960. The treaty divided the Indus River system between the two countries, giving control of the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.
This treaty survived many conflicts, including wars, and was seen as a successful example of cooperation—until India suspended it in 2025 after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
2. Tashkent Agreement (1966)
After the 1965 war, India and Pakistan signed the Tashkent Agreement under the mediation of the Soviet Union. This agreement:
- Called for the withdrawal of troops to pre-war positions
- Encouraged the peaceful settlement of disputes
- Reaffirmed the respect for each other’s territorial integrity
It was a major step in easing tensions after a violent conflict.
3. Simla Agreement (1972)
The Simla Agreement was signed after the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, which resulted in the formation of Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were the signatories of this important agreement.
Key points of the Simla Agreement:
- Changed the ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir to the Line of Control (LoC)
- Committed both countries to resolve issues through bilateral talks, not third-party intervention
- Promoted peaceful coexistence and mutual respect
4. Lahore Declaration (1999)
The Lahore Declaration was a major diplomatic effort to ease nuclear tensions after both countries conducted nuclear tests in 1998. Agreed upon by Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Nawaz Sharif, it sought to:
- Avoid nuclear conflict
- Promote confidence-building measures
- Encourage dialogue and cooperation on all issues, including Kashmir
It marked a hopeful period, though tensions returned soon after due to the Kargil conflict later that year.
5. Ceasefire Agreement (2003)
In 2003, India and Pakistan made a formal ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This significantly reduced cross-border firing and helped bring temporary peace to border areas. The agreement:
- Created better conditions for dialogue
- Reduced casualties of both soldiers and civilians
- Encouraged trade and travel across the LoC
This was one of the most effective military confidence-building measures between the two sides.
6. Agreement on Nuclear Installations (1988)
This agreement is one of the few long-standing accords still honored by both nations. Under this pact:
- The two nations decided to refrain from attacking each other’s nuclear sites.
- They exchange a list of nuclear sites annually on January 1st
This agreement helps prevent miscalculations and promotes transparency in nuclear matters.
7. Agreement on Airspace Violations (1991)
To prevent accidental airspace violations, India and Pakistan signed an agreement in 1991. According to this deal:
- Military aircraft must avoid entering each other’s airspace
- Overflights are allowed only under specific, pre-approved conditions
This agreement supports air safety and helps prevent unnecessary tensions.
8. Recent Ceasefire Agreement (2025)
In a significant move, India and Pakistan signed a new ceasefire agreement in 2025, amid rising cross-border and maritime tensions. With the help of international mediation, the two nations agreed to:
- Halt all military actions—land, air, and sea
- Improve communication between military leaders
- Reinforce existing agreements to prevent escalation
This step has been seen as a new beginning in the peace process, especially after years of tension.
Conclusion: Hope for a Peaceful Future
Despite long-standing disputes, India and Pakistan have made several efforts to maintain peace through these agreements. Each deal reflects a moment in history when diplomacy triumphed over conflict. Moving forward, continued dialogue, mutual respect, and people-to-people engagement can help both countries build a more stable and peaceful relationship.
