Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Political Science

Chapter

Politics in India Since Independence: India's External Relations

Question:

The Shimla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan to end the war of 1971. The two leaders who signed it were -

Options:

L. B. Shastri and Ayub Khan

Indira Gandhi and Ayub Khan

Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

L. B. Shastri and Yahya Khan

Correct Answer:

Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) - Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

The Shimla agreement that was signed on 3 July 1972 between India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan's President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Following months of escalating diplomatic tensions and military preparations, a full-fledged conflict erupted between India and Pakistan in December 1971. Pakistani aircraft launched attacks on Punjab and Rajasthan, while their army advanced on the Jammu and Kashmir front. In response, India executed a comprehensive counterattack, coordinating efforts across its air force, navy, and army on both the Western and Eastern fronts. Benefiting from local support, the Indian army achieved swift advancement in East Pakistan. Remarkably, within a span of merely ten days, the Indian army encircled Dhaka from three directions, compelling the Pakistani army of approximately 90,000 troops to capitulate. With the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation, India declared a unilateral cessation of hostilities. Subsequently, the Shimla Agreement, formalized through negotiations between Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on 3 July 1972, solidified the restoration of tranquillity.