Lahore Declaration

21 February 1999 · Lahore

Pakistan & South Asia

Background

Both sides agreed to give advance notice of ballistic missile tests, reduce the risk of accidental nuclear use, and intensify efforts to resolve all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. Vajpayee also visited Minar-e-Pakistan and affirmed support for a stable Pakistan. The process collapsed with the Kargil conflict in May–July 1999.

Signed by

Pakistan (Nawaz Sharif) and India (Atal Bihari Vajpayee)

Why it matters

First major agreement after both countries' 1998 nuclear tests: pledged to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict. Vajpayee came by bus to Wagah ('bus diplomacy'); the Kargil conflict followed months later.