The Delhi Agreement of 1952 was a historic pact between India and Pakistan, which aimed to address the contentious issue of repatriation of prisoners of war and civilian internees who were captured during the 1947-48 Indo-Pakistani War. The agreement held great significance for both nations as it was seen as a step towards normalizing their diplomatic and bilateral relations.
Here are some of the key features of the Delhi Agreement of 1952:
1. Repatriation of prisoners of war and civilian internees – The primary objective of the agreement was to facilitate the repatriation of prisoners of war and civilian internees who were held in detention in India and Pakistan. The agreement established a Joint Indo-Pakistani Committee for the Repatriation of Prisoners of War and Civilian Internees, which was responsible for overseeing the process of repatriation and ensuring that it was carried out in a fair and humane manner.
2. Release of political prisoners – The Delhi Agreement also called for the release of political prisoners who were held in detention in both countries. This provision was seen as a significant step towards promoting political freedom and democracy in the two nations.
3. Establishment of diplomatic relations – The agreement paved the way for the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. The two countries agreed to exchange high-level visits and to appoint high commissioners to each other`s capital.
4. Trade and economic cooperation – The Delhi Agreement included provisions for trade and economic cooperation between India and Pakistan. The two countries agreed to promote economic ties and to remove trade barriers to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
5. Border disputes – The agreement did not address the issue of border disputes between India and Pakistan, which remained a contentious issue between the two countries.
In conclusion, the Delhi Agreement of 1952 was a significant milestone in the history of India-Pakistan relations. It helped to normalize diplomatic and bilateral relations between the two nations and laid the foundation for future cooperation in trade, economic, and political spheres. However, it did not address the issue of border disputes, which continued to be a source of conflict between the two countries.