| Tashkent Declaration January 10, 1966
The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan,
having met at Tashkent and having discussed the existing relations between India and
Pakistan hereby declare their firm resolve to restore normal and peaceful relations
between their countries and to promote understanding and friendly relations between their
peoples. They consider the attainment of these objectives of vital importance for the
welfare of the 600 million people of India and Pakistan.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan
agree that both sides will exert all efforts to create good neighbourly relations between
India and Pakistan in accordance with the United Nations Charter. They reaffirm their
obligation under the Charter not to have recourse to force and to settle their disputes
through peaceful means. They considered that the interests of peace in their region and
particularly in the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent and, indeed, the interests of the people
of India and Pakistan were not served by the continuance of tension between the two
countries. It was against this background that Jammu and Kashmir was discussed, and each
of the sides set forth its respective position.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan
have agreed that all armed personnel of the two countries shall be withdrawn not later
than 25 February, 1966 to the positions they held prior to 5 August, 1965, and both sides
shall observe the cease-fire terms on the cease-fire line.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan
have agreed that relations between India and Pakistan shall be based on the principle of
non-interference in the internal affairs of each other.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan
have agreed that both sides will discourage any propaganda directed against the other
country and will encourage propaganda which promotes the development of friendly relations
between the two countries.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan
have agreed that High Commissioner of India to Pakistan and the High Commissioner of
Pakistan to India will return to their posts and that the normal functioning of diplomatic
missions of both countries will be restored. Both Governments shall observe the Vienna
Convention of 1961 on Diplomatic Intercourse.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan
have agreed to consider measures towards the restoration of economic and trade relations,
communications as well as cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan, and to take
measures to implement the existing agreements between India and Pakistan.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan
have agreed that they will give instructions to their respective authorities to carry out
the repatriation of the prisoners of war.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan
have agreed that the two sides will continue the discussions of questions relating to the
problems of refugees and evictions/illegal immigrations. They also agreed that both sides
will create conditions which will prevent the exodus of people. They further agree to
discuss the return of the property and assets taken over by either side in connection with
the conflict.
- The Prime Minister of India and the President of Pakistan
have agreed that the two sides will continue meetings both at highest and at other levels
matters of direct concern to both countries. Both sides have recognised the need to set up
joint Indian-Pakistani bodies which will report to their Governments in order to decide
what further steps should be taken. The Prime Minister of India and the President of
Pakistan record their feelings, deep appreciation and gratitude to the leaders of the
Soviet Union, the Soviet Government and personally to the Chairman of the Council of
Ministers of the USSR for their constructive, friendly and noble part in bringing about
the present meeting which has resulted in mutually satisfactory results. They also express
to the Government and friendly people of Uzbekistan their sincere thankfulness for their
overwhelming reception and generous hospitality. They invite the Chairman of the Council
of Ministers of the USSR to witness this declaration
| Prime Minister of India |
President of Pakistan |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri |
Mohammad Ayub Khan |
Tashkent, 10 January
1966. |
|