The Delhi Agreement of 1973 was a significant event in the history of India and Pakistan. It was an agreement between the two nations to end the conflict over the disputed territory of East Pakistan, which eventually led to the formation of the independent nation of Bangladesh. The agreement is an important topic for UPSC aspirants, as it is a crucial event in the history of the Indian subcontinent.

Background

The roots of the conflict between India and Pakistan over East Pakistan can be traced back to the partition of India in 1947, which created two new nations – India and Pakistan. The partition was based on religious lines, with India being a Hindu-majority nation, and Pakistan being a Muslim-majority nation. Pakistan was further divided into two parts, with East Pakistan and West Pakistan separated by more than a thousand miles of Indian territory. This geographical divide created significant cultural, linguistic, and economic differences between the two parts of Pakistan.

The East Pakistanis faced discrimination from the West Pakistanis, who dominated the government and the military. The language of West Pakistan, Urdu, was imposed on East Pakistan, where the majority spoke Bengali. The economic development of East Pakistan was neglected, and the region remained underdeveloped.

The conflict between the two parts of Pakistan came to a head in March 1971, when West Pakistan launched a military operation to suppress the movement for autonomy in East Pakistan. The conflict quickly turned into a full-scale war between India and Pakistan, with India supporting the East Pakistanis.

The Delhi Agreement

The war between India and Pakistan ended with the signing of the Shimla Agreement in July 1972. The agreement called for the withdrawal of Indian and Pakistani forces from each other`s territory and the release of prisoners of war. It also called for a peaceful settlement of the conflict over East Pakistan.

The two nations began negotiating a settlement, which resulted in the Delhi Agreement of 1973. The agreement provided for the recognition of Bangladesh as an independent nation and the withdrawal of Indian and Pakistani forces from its territory. It also provided for the release of prisoners of war and the return of civilian internees.

The agreement was signed by the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, respectively, on 28 August 1973.

Significance

The Delhi Agreement of 1973 was a significant event in the history of the Indian subcontinent. It brought an end to the conflict between India and Pakistan over East Pakistan and led to the formation of the independent nation of Bangladesh. The agreement was a diplomatic triumph for India, which had supported the East Pakistanis in their struggle for autonomy and independence.

The agreement also marked a turning point in the relationship between India and Pakistan. The two nations had fought four wars since their independence in 1947, and the Delhi Agreement provided a framework for a peaceful settlement of their disputes.

Conclusion

The Delhi Agreement of 1973 is an important topic for UPSC aspirants, as it is a crucial event in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The agreement brought an end to the conflict between India and Pakistan over East Pakistan and led to the formation of the independent nation of Bangladesh. It also marked a turning point in the relationship between India and Pakistan and provided a framework for a peaceful settlement of their disputes.