Send a message to Pakistan? Amid trade deal, India map shared by US Trade Representative raises eyebrows | India News
NEW DELHI: As New Delhi and Washington on Saturday announced the framework for an interim trade agreement, the map of India released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative has raised eyebrows.The map, shared along with details of the trade deal framework, shows that the entire Jammu and Kashmir region – including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) – is part of India. It also depicts Aksai Chin, an area within Indian territory claimed by China.The U.S. Trade Representative posted onWhile India has always maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and does not require external verification of its sovereignty, the description marks a departure from earlier U.S. government maps, which typically showed other claims as part of the map.The timing of the map’s release is noteworthy as India and the United States are improving trade relations after months of speculation.Earlier this year, amid stalled trade talks, the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including an additional 25% on Russian oil imports – the highest tariff ever imposed on a U.S. ally. Under the announced temporary framework, tariffs will be reduced to 18%, one of the lowest among Asian countries.The map also shows Aksai Chin, located in eastern Ladakh, which is part of India. China claims the area and objects to India’s stance, and the dispute remains a sensitive issue in bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing.
Signal to Islamabad
Although the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not comment on the map, it is an embarrassment for Pakistan, which claims sovereignty over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The release also comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Washington in recent months, including multiple visits by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir as well as meetings with President Trump.The interim trade agreement, expected to be signed in mid-March, is aimed at easing trade tensions and providing relief to Indian exporters after months of uncertainty.
