NEW DELHI: As New Delhi and Washington announced the framework for an interim trade agreement on Saturday, a map of India released by the US trade representative’s (USTR) office drew attention.The map, shared alongside details of the trade deal framework, shows the entire Jammu and Kashmir region – including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) – as part of India. It also depicts Aksai Chin, a region claimed by China, within Indian territory.In a post on X US trade representative said, “From tree nuts and dried distillers’ grains to red sorghum and fresh and processed fruit, the US-India Agreement will provide new market access for American products.While India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and does not require external validation of its sovereignty, the depiction marks a departure from earlier US government maps, which typically showed the other claims as a part of the map.The timing of the map release is notable, coming as India and the US are moving to better the trade ties following months of speculation.Earlier this year, the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25% for Russian oil imports – the highest levied on a US ally – amid stalled trade negotiations. Under the interim framework announced, that tariff is set to be reduced to 18%, one of the lowest among Asian countries.The map also shows Aksai Chin, located in eastern Ladakh, as part of India. China claims the territory and has objected to India’s position, a dispute that has remained a sensitive issue in bilateral ties between New Delhi and Beijing.Signal to IslamabadThough the USTR did not comment on the map, it comes as an embarrassment for Pakistan, which claims PoK. The release also comes amid sustained diplomatic outreach by Pakistan to Washington in recent months, including multiple visits by Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif and army chief, Asim Munir, and meetings with President Trump.The interim trade pact, expected to be signed by mid-March, is aimed at easing trade tensions and providing relief to Indian exporters after months of uncertainty.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Home-Grown Ills’: Islamabad Mosque Blast Triggers Blame Game As India Rejects Pakistan’s BlameEx-US Official Raymond Vickery Says India Outsmarted Donald Trump Chaos By Sticking To Trade ProcessEx-US Official Raymond Vickery Backs India Red Line On Russian Oil As US Trade Deal Drops MentionIndia-US Trade Deal Explained: What The White House Says On Tariffs, Markets And Tech ShiftsPM Modi Calls India-US Trade Pact Framework Great News For Jobs, Make In India And Exports’We Were Preparing For War’: Former DGMO Reveals Inside Story Of India-China Doklam Stand-OffGrand Welcome To Dance Record: Indian Diaspora Gears Up For PM Modi’s Malaysia VisitWeeks After Noida Techie’s Death, Delhi Biker Dies After Falling Into Pit Dug By Jal BoardIndia Stands Firm On Chabahar Despite US-Iran Tensions And A Sanctions Threat, Tehran Backs DelhiFormer DGMO Lt Gen A.K. Bhatt Reveals How India Stopped China In Doklam: ‘We Used BRO Dozers…’123PhotostoriesTop 10 iconic Japanese fast foods you need to try at least once7 must-try winter street foods in ChandigarhUpcoming OTT releases for this week: ‘Kohrra Season 2’, ‘The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4,’ and moreTop luxury trekking motorbikes in 2026: Premium rides for rugged adventuresIndia’s major snow-fed rivers: Waterways that have shaped India’s landscape7 irresistible mutton dishes from Jammu and Kashmir that are a must-try in winterWhat happens if the builder does not follow the RERA order?5 national parks in India that are a part of iconic elephant reserves9 things you should avoid buying on Saturday, according to tradition5 things we should never take back from a beach trip123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl TrophyCooper Kupp WifeKayla NicoleSuper Bowl LX TicketOliver RowlandJustin GaethjeLIV GolfLiam Paro vs Paddy Donovan Net WorthWinter Olympics 2026NBA Trade Update

NEW DELHI: As New Delhi and Washington announced the framework for an interim trade agreement on Saturday, a map of India released by the US trade representative’s (USTR) office drew attention.The map, shared alongside details of the trade deal framework, shows the entire Jammu and Kashmir region – including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) – as part of India. It also depicts Aksai Chin, a region claimed by China, within Indian territory.In a post on X US trade representative said, “From tree nuts and dried distillers’ grains to red sorghum and fresh and processed fruit, the US-India Agreement will provide new market access for American products.While India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and does not require external validation of its sovereignty, the depiction marks a departure from earlier US government maps, which typically showed the other claims as a part of the map.The timing of the map release is notable, coming as India and the US are moving to better the trade ties following months of speculation.Earlier this year, the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25% for Russian oil imports – the highest levied on a US ally – amid stalled trade negotiations. Under the interim framework announced, that tariff is set to be reduced to 18%, one of the lowest among Asian countries.The map also shows Aksai Chin, located in eastern Ladakh, as part of India. China claims the territory and has objected to India’s position, a dispute that has remained a sensitive issue in bilateral ties between New Delhi and Beijing.Signal to IslamabadThough the USTR did not comment on the map, it comes as an embarrassment for Pakistan, which claims PoK. The release also comes amid sustained diplomatic outreach by Pakistan to Washington in recent months, including multiple visits by Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif and army chief, Asim Munir, and meetings with President Trump.The interim trade pact, expected to be signed by mid-March, is aimed at easing trade tensions and providing relief to Indian exporters after months of uncertainty.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Home-Grown Ills’: Islamabad Mosque Blast Triggers Blame Game As India Rejects Pakistan’s BlameEx-US Official Raymond Vickery Says India Outsmarted Donald Trump Chaos By Sticking To Trade ProcessEx-US Official Raymond Vickery Backs India Red Line On Russian Oil As US Trade Deal Drops MentionIndia-US Trade Deal Explained: What The White House Says On Tariffs, Markets And Tech ShiftsPM Modi Calls India-US Trade Pact Framework Great News For Jobs, Make In India And Exports’We Were Preparing For War’: Former DGMO Reveals Inside Story Of India-China Doklam Stand-OffGrand Welcome To Dance Record: Indian Diaspora Gears Up For PM Modi’s Malaysia VisitWeeks After Noida Techie’s Death, Delhi Biker Dies After Falling Into Pit Dug By Jal BoardIndia Stands Firm On Chabahar Despite US-Iran Tensions And A Sanctions Threat, Tehran Backs DelhiFormer DGMO Lt Gen A.K. Bhatt Reveals How India Stopped China In Doklam: ‘We Used BRO Dozers…’123PhotostoriesTop 10 iconic Japanese fast foods you need to try at least once7 must-try winter street foods in ChandigarhUpcoming OTT releases for this week: ‘Kohrra Season 2’, ‘The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4,’ and moreTop luxury trekking motorbikes in 2026: Premium rides for rugged adventuresIndia’s major snow-fed rivers: Waterways that have shaped India’s landscape7 irresistible mutton dishes from Jammu and Kashmir that are a must-try in winterWhat happens if the builder does not follow the RERA order?5 national parks in India that are a part of iconic elephant reserves9 things you should avoid buying on Saturday, according to tradition5 things we should never take back from a beach trip123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSuper Bowl TrophyCooper Kupp WifeKayla NicoleSuper Bowl LX TicketOliver RowlandJustin GaethjeLIV GolfLiam Paro vs Paddy Donovan Net WorthWinter Olympics 2026NBA Trade Update


Message to Pakistan? Amid trade pact, India's map shared by US trade representative grabs attention

NEW DELHI: As New Delhi and Washington announced the framework for an interim trade agreement on Saturday, a map of India released by the US trade representative’s (USTR) office drew attention.The map, shared alongside details of the trade deal framework, shows the entire Jammu and Kashmir region – including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) – as part of India. It also depicts Aksai Chin, a region claimed by China, within Indian territory.In a post on X US trade representative said, “From tree nuts and dried distillers’ grains to red sorghum and fresh and processed fruit, the US-India Agreement will provide new market access for American products.While India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and does not require external validation of its sovereignty, the depiction marks a departure from earlier US government maps, which typically showed the other claims as a part of the map.The timing of the map release is notable, coming as India and the US are moving to better the trade ties following months of speculation.Earlier this year, the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25% for Russian oil imports – the highest levied on a US ally – amid stalled trade negotiations. Under the interim framework announced, that tariff is set to be reduced to 18%, one of the lowest among Asian countries.The map also shows Aksai Chin, located in eastern Ladakh, as part of India. China claims the territory and has objected to India’s position, a dispute that has remained a sensitive issue in bilateral ties between New Delhi and Beijing.

Signal to Islamabad

Though the USTR did not comment on the map, it comes as an embarrassment for Pakistan, which claims PoK. The release also comes amid sustained diplomatic outreach by Pakistan to Washington in recent months, including multiple visits by Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif and army chief, Asim Munir, and meetings with President Trump.The interim trade pact, expected to be signed by mid-March, is aimed at easing trade tensions and providing relief to Indian exporters after months of uncertainty.



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