An unexpected detail revealed itself when India and the US unveiled the framework for an interim trade pact.
The US trade representative’s office released a map of India that quickly drew attention.
It showed the entire J&K region, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), as part of India.
Aksai Chin, a region claimed by China, was also shown within India’s territory.
China has repeatedly asserted its claim over the territory, even though India has strongly protested it.
This depiction comes against the backdrop of long-standing objections raised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over inaccurate representations of India’s borders.
That includes Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh in maps used by the US State Department and other international bodies.
The latest brings into sharp focus India’s persistent concerns.
A Clear Shift…
That said, India has never sought external validation for its territorial claims. It has always held that Kashmir is an indisputable part of the country.
Even so, the map represents a clear shift from earlier US positions. As reports mentioned, whether intentional or accidental, it conveys a strong diplomatic message to Pakistan. It may well imply that the current US leadership aligns with India’s depiction of its borders.
In the past, maps released by the US government or its State Department typically marked POK separately, reflecting Pakistan’s sensitivities. However, the map issued under US President Donald Trump’s administration unmistakably departs from that practice and openly disregards Pakistan’s claims.
The timing of the development is significant, as New Delhi and Washington recalibrate their relationship under a mercurial Trump after a rocky phase. During the trade negotiations stalemate, Trump had imposed 50% tariffs on India, the steepest among US allies.
Under the interim agreement, these duties have been reduced to 18%, the lowest rate among Asian countries.
At the same time, Trump attempted to re-hyphenate India and Pakistan, undoing the de-hyphenation approach initiated during the George W Bush administration and continued by later presidents.
Over the last six months, Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach has intensified, with army chief Asim Munir travelling to the US three times. He also met Trump twice, including a widely publicised lunch in June. This marked the first instance of a US President meeting Pakistan’s army chief alone, without any civilian leadership present.
Diplomatic Advantage
Meanwhile, the interim trade agreement, expected to be signed in mid-March, offers much-needed relief to Indian exporters after the harsh 50% tariffs.
India has secured concessions on steel, aluminium, copper, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and auto components. However, India has reportedly stood its ground on agriculture and dairy.
Whether the map signals a subtle realignment of US policy in India’s favour remains uncertain.
It could be a calculated move to appease New Delhi after a year of tensions with Trump, or simply a bureaucratic lapse.
The map has handed India a moment of diplomatic advantage. If anything, it may have served as a reminder of some sensitive territorial questions.
Also Read: India-US Trade Deal Cuts Tariffs To 18%: Exporters Gain, But Indian Farmers Face Uncertainty https://www.vibesofindia.com/india-us-trade-deal-cuts-tariffs-to-18-exporters-gain-but-indian-farmers-face-uncertainty/
