The Tashkent Agreement of 1966 between India and Pakistan was mediated by the Soviet Union.

The Tashkent Agreement was a peace treaty signed on January 10, 1966, between India and Pakistan, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between the two countries. It was signed following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, which had escalated tensions between the two nations.

The mediation process was initiated by Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin, who invited the Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Pakistani President Ayub Khan to the city of Tashkent in Uzbekistan. The Soviet Union played a crucial role in bringing the two leaders together and facilitating negotiations to reach a peaceful settlement.

Below are the key reasons why the Soviet Union was chosen as the mediator for the Tashkent Agreement:

1. Neutrality: The Soviet Union was seen as a neutral third party by both India and Pakistan. It had maintained cordial relations with both countries and had no direct stake in the conflict. This neutrality made it an ideal mediator.

2. Superpower Status: The Soviet Union was one of the two major superpowers during the Cold War era, along with the United States. Its status as a global power gave it influence and credibility in mediating international disputes.

3. International Standing: The Soviet Union had established itself as a key player in international affairs, particularly in relation to Asia and the developing world. Its involvement in the mediation process brought international attention and legitimacy to the negotiations.

4. Diplomatic Relations: The Soviet Union had established diplomatic relations with both India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947. It had embassies in both countries and a history of diplomatic engagement, making it well-positioned to facilitate dialogue between the two nations.

5. Geographical Proximity: Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, was geographically close to both India and Pakistan. This proximity made it logistically convenient for the leaders of both countries to travel to Tashkent for negotiations.

In conclusion, the Soviet Union was chosen as the mediator for the Tashkent Agreement due to its neutrality, superpower status, international standing, diplomatic relations with both countries, and geographical proximity. Its mediation efforts ultimately led to the signing of the agreement, which aimed to restore peace and normalize relations between India and Pakistan.