Simla Agreement and After
With Pakistan we have promoted a fairly steady though slow process of normalisation since the 1971 conflict. As soon as it was possible after the cessation of hostilities, it will be recalled. We took steps to bring back our relations to the path of normality under the historic Simla agreement. Many of the clauses of the Simla agreement were implemented in stages over the next two years. All the severed links — rail; road and air — between the two countries have by now been restored. Full diplomatic relations have been established and the two countries have senior - ambassadors functioning in each other's capital with a competent team of diplomatists to assist them in further developing political economic and cultural relations to the mutual benefit of Indian and Pakistani peoples.
A development full of possibilities is the decision to throw open Indo-Pakistan trade to the private sector also. The re-establishment of these links has been carried out so speedily and with such little fuss that there is every ground for hoping that further development of Indo-Pakistan relations on positive lines would proceed at a reasonable pace. Certain political decisions taken on humanitarian considerations in regard to the divided families in both countries who would like to visit their relatives and friends on the other side of the border, will bring about immediate and tangible benefits and extend the area of harmony and understanding.
When countries like India and Pakistan with a complex history of cultural and social affinity and deep-rooted political differences behind them try to normalise their relations, there are bound to be difficulties, and dramatic changes cannot be expected overnight. All that we can say from our side in India is that we feel that a very good beginning has been made and that we are willing to work for developing our friendly relations, provided there is response from the other side.