The Tashkent Agreement, also known as the Tashkent Declaration, was a peace agreement signed between India and Pakistan on January 10, 1966, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, ending the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War. The agreement was signed by Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Ayub Khan.
The Tashkent Agreement was a significant development in the history of India-Pakistan relations. It marked the first time that the two countries had come to the negotiating table to resolve their differences peacefully. The agreement was brokered by the Soviet Union, which had played a key role in bringing the two sides together.
The Tashkent Agreement contained several key provisions, including a commitment by both countries to respect each other`s territorial integrity and sovereignty, the withdrawal of troops to pre-war positions, and the release of prisoners of war. The agreement also called for the establishment of a commission to investigate ceasefire violations and other complaints.
In Tamil Nadu, the Tashkent Agreement holds a special significance because of the role played by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in promoting peace between the two countries. Karunanidhi had visited Pakistan in 1965 during the war and had met with Ayub Khan, urging him to seek a negotiated settlement with India. Karunanidhi`s efforts were recognized by both sides and he was invited to attend the signing of the Tashkent Agreement in 1966.
The Tashkent Agreement had far-reaching implications for India-Pakistan relations. It paved the way for the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries and led to several rounds of talks aimed at resolving outstanding issues such as the dispute over Kashmir. However, the resumption of hostilities between India and Pakistan in 1971 and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh put a strain on the relationship once again.
In conclusion, the Tashkent Agreement was a landmark event in the history of India-Pakistan relations. It marked the first step towards peace between the two countries and set the stage for further negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing disputes. In Tamil Nadu, the agreement is remembered for the role played by M. Karunanidhi in promoting peace and for the hope it brought for a better future for the region.