India Says UNMOGIP No Longer Relevant After 1972 Simla Agreement

India on Friday reiterated its position that the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has “outlived its relevance” following the 1972 Simla Agreement, responding to a query about UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' recent visit to the mission's office in Islamabad.

Addressing his weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had consistently maintained that the UN mission was no longer relevant after the bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan.

Guterres visited the UNMOGIP office on October 6 during his official visit to Pakistan. According to a UN statement, he also addressed the mission's town hall in Islamabad, describing it as a long-standing mission operating in a sensitive political environment and praising its personnel for their dedication and professionalism.

Signed in 1972, the Simla Agreement committed India and Pakistan to ending conflict and confrontation, promoting friendly relations and establishing durable peace in the subcontinent. It also stated that the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter would govern relations between the two countries.

During the briefing, Jaiswal also provided updates on India's bilateral and international engagements.

He said an India-Bangladesh joint working group on trade met in New Delhi on Thursday and Friday. The discussions, led at the joint secretary level, focused on trade-related matters and issues forming part of the bilateral agenda.

The spokesperson also announced that the first meeting of the Friends of Safety for Seafarers was held in New York. The initiative seeks to bring together countries and stakeholders from the commercial shipping and maritime sectors to strengthen international cooperation and ensure the safety of vessels and seafarers.

On Indian nationals reportedly serving in the Russian Army, Jaiswal said India was discussing the cases of 69 individuals with Russian authorities, seeking information about their whereabouts and ways to facilitate their return.

New Delhi has repeatedly urged Moscow to release all Indian nationals serving in the Russian military.