Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India but Pakistan has always been laying claims over a part of the territory and has encouraged terrorism in the region leading to deaths of several innocent people. It has always raked up the issue on international forums, however, this time it has received an unexpected jolt from one of its most trusted allies and the biggest superpower, the United States.
It was published by the USTR in a post outlining the scope of the India-US trade arrangement.
In a social media post highlighting the deal, the USTR said the agreement would expand market access for American products.
“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, accompanied by the map.
The depiction comes against the backdrop of long-standing regional disputes and contrasting claims made by neighbouring countries.
In 2020, Pakistan approved a new political map claiming Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Ladakh, as well as Junagadh, Manavadar and Sir Creek in Gujarat, as its territory.
India had dismissed the move, calling it “an exercise in political absurdity" and rejecting what it termed untenable claims over Indian territory.
China, too, has repeatedly asserted territorial claims over Indian regions.
In August 2023, Beijing released an updated “standard map" showing Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as South Tibet, and Aksai Chin, occupied by China during the 1962 war, as part of its territory.
India has consistently rejected these claims, reiterating that such actions do not alter the ground reality.
The map release coincided with the formal announcement of the India-US interim trade framework, unveiled after months of negotiations amid tariff-related tensions.
Under the arrangement, reciprocal US tariffs on Indian goods are set to be reduced to 18 per cent, easing access for Indian exporters.
Both countries said they would move quickly to implement the framework and continue talks toward a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
As part of the process, the United States will consider India’s request for further tariff reductions during the BTA negotiations.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, issuing a statement following President Donald Trump’s announcement, said the deal would remove tariff and non-tariff barriers and open India’s market of more than 1.4 billion people to American goods.
“President Trump’s dealmaking is unlocking one of the world’s largest economies for American workers and producers," Greer said, adding that the agreement reflects deepening ties between the two countries and creates new opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs on both sides.
Greer also thanked Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal for his leadership and commitment to advancing what he described as fair and balanced trade between India and the United States.
Source: News18