Which of the following leaders signed the Tashkent Agreement?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: C)Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ayub Khan

Explanation:
The Tashkent Agreement was a peace treaty signed on January 10, 1966, between India and Pakistan to resolve hostilities following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

• It was signed by Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Ayub Khan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (then part of the Soviet Union).
• The agreement was mediated by Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin, who facilitated discussions to restore peace and normalize relations between the two nations.

1. Both nations agreed to withdraw their forces to positions held prior to August 5, 1965 (before the war).
2. Diplomatic relations, trade, and communication links were to be restored.
3. Efforts would be made to prevent future conflicts through peaceful negotiation.
4. Prisoners of war were to be returned.

Unfortunately, Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away in Tashkent just one day after signing the agreement, under circumstances that remain controversial.

Information Booster:

• Indo-Pakistani War of 1965: The war was primarily fought over Kashmir and saw major battles in regions like Lahore, Sialkot, and Kutch.
  
• Significance of the Agreement: It was an effort to de-escalate tensions between the two nations, though subsequent conflicts like the 1971 Indo-Pak War showed its limited success.
  
• Mediation by the USSR: This marked a significant moment in Cold War diplomacy, with the Soviet Union taking an active role in resolving South Asian conflicts.
  
• Shastri's Successor: Following his demise, Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister of India.
  
• Criticism in India: Many Indians felt that the agreement was too favorable to Pakistan, as India had made territorial gains but agreed to withdraw.