Syllabus: GS2/International Relations; GS3/Security
Context
- The Pahalgam terror attack has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a series of retaliatory measures by both countries.
| Key Measures By India & Pakistan India’s Measures – Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty – Closure of the Attari-Wagah Border – Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES Visas) – Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors – Reduction of Diplomatic Personnel Pakistan’s Retaliatory Measures – Airspace Closure – Trade Suspension – Diplomatic Retaliation like reducing the strength of India’s High Commission and suspension of Simla Agreement and all bilateral agreements with India. – Visa Restrictions except for Sikh pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Corridor. – Labeling the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as an ‘act of war’. |
Pakistan’s Airspace Closure for India
- Airspace refers to the portion of the atmosphere controlled by a country, where it regulates the movement of aircraft.
- Its closure is governed by both domestic regulations and international frameworks.
Domestic Regulations
- Each country has exclusive rights over the airspace above its territory, as defined by its civil aviation authority.
- In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) oversees airspace management and closures during emergencies.
- Domestic laws allow governments to issue Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) to inform airlines of restrictions.
International Regulations
- Chicago Convention (1944): It establishes rules for airspace sovereignty and international flight operations, under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- Article 1 recognizes the complete and exclusive sovereignty of nations over their airspace.
Impacts of Airspace Closure
- Flight Rerouting and Increased Costs: Indian carriers have been forced to reroute flights to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
- Longer flight paths over the Arabian Sea and Central Asia are increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.
- Ticket prices for international flights may rise by 8–12%, affecting passengers.
- Economic Implications: The move mirrors Pakistan’s 2019 airspace closure, following the Indian Air Force’s air strikes in Balakot in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack, which lasted five months and cost Indian airlines over ₹700 crore.
| Simla agreement – The Simla Agreement was a bilateral treaty between India and Pakistan, signed by former prime minister Indira Gandhi and then Pakistani president Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on July 2, 1972. – It was aimed to resolve conflicts and foster peaceful relations after the 1971 India-Pakistan war. 1. The war was triggered when India intervened in East Pakistan’s (now Bangladesh) fight for independence. Major Provisions – Both countries pledged to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue, bilaterally without third-party involvement, marking a shift from previous international mediation. – They agreed to respect each other’s territorial integrity, political independence, and non-interference in internal affairs. – The 1971 ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was re-designated as the Line of Control (LoC), with both sides committing not to alter it unilaterally. – The agreement called for the restoration of diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations, including the resumption of communication, travel, and trade links. – India agreed to release over 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war as part of the agreement, one of the largest releases in history. – India returned over 13,000 km² of territory seized during the war, but retained strategic areas in the Chorbat Valley. |
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