The five-day meeting between India and Pakistan wrapped up beautifully when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President Z. A. Bhutto signed an important agreement late at night. This signing happened at 12:40 a.m. at Himachal Bhavan, where Mr. Bhutto was staying.
After tough discussions over the Kashmir issue, both leaders communicated in two rounds of talks earlier in the day, leading to a compromise. Their final meeting took place after a dinner hosted by Mr. Bhutto for Mrs. Gandhi.
This agreement focuses on creating lasting peace and improving relations between India and Pakistan. Both countries have promised to solve their problems directly without involving any outside help and have agreed to avoid using force to solve disputes.
Mr. Bhutto’s team plans to leave for Islamabad the next morning, while Mrs. Gandhi will stay one more day and return to New Delhi the following Tuesday.
The two leaders and their close aides worked hard to finalize the agreement. After dinner, they had separate ten-minute meetings, followed by discussions that involved a team from India as well, including key ministers. The agreement, once signed, means India has agreed to withdraw troops from certain areas, except for Jammu and Kashmir.
The signing ceremony was observed by key members of the Indian government. The agreement needs approval from both India and Pakistan, and Pakistan’s National Assembly is expected to ratify it in mid-August.
Mr. Bhutto expressed optimism about the agreement, calling it a new start for India-Pakistan relations. He refused to answer any questions from reporters after the signing. Both leaders felt satisfaction about the agreement, with Mr. Bhutto stating he hoped to meet Mrs. Gandhi again soon.
Initially, there were challenges in agreement due to disagreements over the summit document. However, India made an effort to accommodate Pakistani needs by updating its proposals. Despite a previous deadlock, Mr. Bhutto was hopeful that productive discussions would continue after dinner.
While discussing the Kashmir issue, Mr. Bhutto emphasized Pakistan’s belief in self-determination, while acknowledging that India has a different viewpoint. He stated that both sides could narrow their gaps through talks. Mr. Bhutto also mentioned that they would need to reach broader agreements to consider things like reducing military expenses in the future.
He reiterated that the issue of prisoners from the war should not be bargained over and that trials should happen under Pakistan’s laws. Overall, Mr. Bhutto highlighted the importance of keeping the door open for discussions rather than closing it after years of conflict.
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