Trump team’s trade deal map shows PoK as Indian territory, leaves Pakistan red-faced – Firstpost

As New Delhi and Washington announced the framework for an interim trade agreement on Saturday, a map released by the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) office drew sharp attention.

The map, shared alongside details of the trade deal framework, showed the entire Jammu and Kashmir region — including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) — as part of India. It also depicted Aksai Chin, a region claimed by China, within Indian territory.

From tree nuts and dried distillers’ grains to red sorghum and fresh and processed fruit, the U.S.-India Agreement will provide new market access for American products. pic.twitter.com/mqpP10LJp1

— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) February 6, 2026

This representation aligns with India’s long-standing position on its territorial integrity. In the past, maps released by the US government or the State Department often marked PoK separately, broadly reflecting Pakistan’s stance. This time, the Trump administration’s map made no such distinction, marking a departure from earlier US practice.

Strategic signal amid reset in India–US ties

India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are inalienable parts of the country and that its territorial claims do not require external validation. Even so, the US move carries strategic significance, signalling a clear shift from previous representations.

The timing is notable as India–US relations have recently been reset under President Donald Trump. Just months ago, Washington imposed steep 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods — the highest among US allies — after trade negotiations dragged on for nearly a year.

Under the interim agreement now in place, tariffs on Indian goods have been reduced to 18 percent, among the lowest in Asia. Penalty tariffs linked to Russian oil imports have also been removed.

Re-hyphenation concerns resurface

The map’s release comes amid reports of Trump’s attempts to re-hyphenate India and Pakistan, reversing the de-hyphenation approach followed since the George W Bush administration. This has been cited by the Opposition in India to criticise the government’s foreign policy.

Complicating matters further are Trump’s repeated claims that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during military action in May last year. These assertions have been firmly rejected by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which has maintained that all issues between the two countries are handled bilaterally. Trump has also previously targeted India with sharp criticism, including calling its economy “dead”.

Aksai Chin depiction draws attention to China factor

Beyond Pakistan, the map also showed Aksai Chin in northeastern Ladakh as part of India. China has long claimed the region and has dismissed India’s objections.

For years, the MEA has objected to what it calls incorrect representations of India’s borders — particularly Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh — in maps used by foreign governments and international agencies. The latest US map appears to directly address those concerns.

Defence analysts reacted quickly. Retired army officer Major Gaurav Arya posted on X, praising the depiction and calling it a positive move.

Awkward moment for Pakistan

The timing could be uncomfortable for Pakistan, especially as its diplomatic engagement with Washington has intensified over the past year.

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has visited the US multiple times and met Trump twice, including during a high-profile lunch in June. That meeting marked the first time a US president hosted Pakistan’s army chief without civilian leadership present.

Islamabad has also nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, under the revised tariff structure, Pakistan now faces higher duties than India, with Pakistani goods taxed at 19 percent compared to India’s 18 percent.