USTR map shows entire Kashmir and Aksay Chin as part of India
The depiction represents a shift from previous US maps, which typically marked Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a disputed region
As India and the United States announced a framework for an interim bilateral trade agreement today (7 February), a map released by the US Trade Representative (USTR) Office sparked debate on social media.
The map depicted the Jammu and Kashmir region, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as part of India, along with Aksai Chin in the western Himalayas – a territory claimed by China.
The depiction represents a shift from previous US maps, which typically marked PoK as a disputed region. The move has fueled speculation in some sections of the Indian media about a potential shift in Washington's stance on the Kashmir issue.
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The map emerges at a time when India and the US seek to reset months of strained trade relations, primarily caused by high tariffs imposed by the US since August last year.
The Trump administration levied a 50% tariff on Indian goods, the highest of any country. Under the new interim trade framework, this has now been reduced to 18%, the lowest rate applied to any Asian country.
Equally significant is the portrayal of Aksai Chin as part of India. China has consistently claimed the region, despite India's objections. New Delhi has repeatedly raised concerns over incorrect depictions of its borders, particularly Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, which China also claims as its territory.
