USTR Deletes Map Post Showing Entire Jammu & Kashmir as Part of India

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has deleted a social media post that included a map depicting the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as part of India, including areas administered by Pakistan and China.

The post, published on February 7 on USTR’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, featured a graphic intended to highlight a new India–US trade framework. However, it quickly drew attention because the accompanying map showed the whole of Jammu and Kashmir — including Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir and China-controlled Aksai Chin — as Indian territory, without marking them as disputed areas.

The depiction sparked discussion among analysts and observers, as the United States has traditionally described Azad Kashmir and Aksai Chin as disputed regions. Previous US government maps typically used boundary markings or shading to indicate the contested status of these territories. In the now-deleted post, no such distinctions were made.

The map’s presentation prompted differing interpretations. Some analysts suggested it could reflect a strategic message of support for India, particularly at a time when Washington’s relations with Beijing and Islamabad remain strained. Others described it as a possible oversight or technical error in graphic preparation.

Another view holds that the depiction may have been intended to signal broader US alignment with India in the Indo-Pacific region, where Washington sees New Delhi as a key strategic partner in balancing China’s influence. However, the USTR ultimately removed the post amid the growing debate.

The incident was seen by some observers as diplomatically uncomfortable for Pakistan. In recent months, ties between Islamabad and Washington have reportedly warmed, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visiting Washington for meetings with US policymakers, including former President Donald Trump.

The deletion of the post appeared to temper speculation about any formal shift in US territorial policy.

The graphic in question was originally designed to illustrate elements of a new bilateral trade arrangement between India and the United States. According to the announcement, India agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on certain US imports, including almonds, red sorghum, fresh and processed fruits, dried distillers grains, and American wine and spirits.

In return, the United States agreed to reduce tariffs on selected Indian imports from 50 percent to 18 percent and to withdraw an additional 25 percent duty on certain goods.

While the trade agreement itself remains intact, the map controversy underscores how territorial sensitivities in South Asia can quickly overshadow economic diplomacy.