Q. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Lahore Declaration of 1999’:
1.The Lahore Declaration of 1999 mainly focused on normalizing trade relations between India and Pakistan.
2.The Lahore Declaration was made as a response of the Kargil War of 1999.
3.According to the Lahore Declaration, India and Pakistan agreed to intensify their dialogue process to achieve an early and positive outcome on the agreed bilateral agenda.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect. The Lahore Declaration primarily focused on establishing a framework for peaceful relations, addressing security concerns, and resolving outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue. While it did mention cooperation in various fields, the primary focus was not specifically on normalizing trade relations. Lahore Declaration was signed on February 21, 1999, before the Kargil War, which began in May 1999. The declaration aimed to promote peace and stability between India and Pakistan following their nuclear tests in 1998. The Kargil War occurred later and was seen as a violation of the spirit of the Lahore Declaration.
Statement 3 is correct. The Lahore Declaration included a commitment by both India and Pakistan to intensify their dialogue process to achieve an early and positive outcome on the agreed bilateral agenda. This was part of their broader effort to resolve all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, and to promote peace and stability in the region.
Source: AIR
