During the announcement of the India-US Interim Trade Agreement framework, a map released by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) showed the entire Jammu and Kashmir region as part of India. The depiction included Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin within Indian territory.

The map appeared in an official post explaining the details and coverage of the interim trade arrangement. It presented Jammu and Kashmir, Aksai Chin in Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh clearly inside India’s borders.

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

Shared with trade announcement

The map was part of the official communication released by the USTR to highlight the scope of the India-US trade framework. Along with the map, the USTR shared a message about the expected benefits of the agreement for American exports.

In a social media post, the office said the deal would create more business opportunities for US producers. “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," the post said.

Comes amid long-standing territorial disputes

The map’s depiction comes at a time when territorial claims over the region remain sensitive and disputed. Over the years, neighbouring countries have made different claims over parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

In 2020, Pakistan released a new political map in which it showed Jammu and Kashmir and some areas of Ladakh as part of its territory. It also included Junagadh, Manavadar and Sir Creek in Gujarat within its claims. India strongly rejected the move at the time, calling it “an exercise in political absurdity" and dismissing the claims as unacceptable.

China has also repeatedly claimed certain Indian regions. In August 2023, Beijing released its updated “standard map" that showed Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as South Tibet, and Aksai Chin as part of Chinese territory. China has occupied Aksai Chin since the 1962 war.

India has consistently opposed these claims and maintained that such maps do not change the actual situation on the ground.

Map release coincides with trade framework announcement

The release of the map came at the same time as the formal announcement of the India-US interim trade framework. The agreement was finalised after months of discussions between the two countries, especially during a period of tensions over tariffs.

The framework is seen as a step towards expanding trade ties and improving market access between India and the United States.