Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the Agreement.

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Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

The 1965 war, triggered by Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar and ending in a UN ceasefire and stalemate, led to Soviet-mediated talks at Tashkent. The Declaration of 10 January 1966 restored pre-5 August 1965 positions, renounced force and normalised ties, so India returned the Haji Pir pass.

**Introduction**

On 10 January 1966, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ayub Khan signed the Tashkent Declaration under Soviet mediation, ending the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Shastri died in Tashkent hours later.

**Circumstances Leading to Tashkent**

SKETCH: timeline | Road to Tashkent
- Apr 1965 :: Rann of Kutch clash
- Aug 1965 :: Operation Gibraltar
- Sep 1965 :: Full-scale war
- Sep 1965 :: UN ceasefire
- Jan 1966 :: Tashkent Declaration

1. **Pakistan's misreading**: After India's 1962 defeat and Nehru's death in 1964, Pakistan judged India weak, and the Kutch clash of April 1965 emboldened it.
2. **War in Kashmir**: Operation Gibraltar sent infiltrators into Kashmir to spark a revolt and Operation Grand Slam struck at Akhnoor, so India opened the Punjab front towards Lahore on 6 September 1965.
3. **Stalemate and pressure**: UN Security Council Resolution 211 brought a ceasefire on 23 September, while a US arms cut-off and China's ultimatum to India raised the stakes.
4. **Soviet opening**: With the US absorbed in Vietnam, Premier Kosygin offered mediation, Moscow's first major diplomatic role in South Asia.

**Highlights of the Agreement**

1. **Withdrawal**: Both armies would return to positions held before 5 August 1965, so India returned the Haji Pir pass.
2. **Peaceful settlement**: Both renounced force under the UN Charter and agreed to settle disputes peacefully, though each merely restated its stand on Kashmir.
3. **Normalisation**: Envoys, trade, communications and prisoners of war would be restored, and both pledged non-interference and an end to hostile propaganda.

**Conclusion**

Tashkent restored the status quo ante but solved nothing, and the return of Haji Pir was criticised at home. Yet it reflected Shastri's preference for peace and began the Soviet partnership that proved decisive in 1971.

Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the Agreement.

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