US News: America had recently shared a map, which made headlines across the world. In this map, Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin were shown as part of Indian territory. However, now America has deleted this map. This map was shared on the social media account of the US Trade Representative (USTR).
PoK and Aksai were shown as part of India to China
This post on X was made after the release of the framework of the trade deal between India and America on February 7. The post talked about opening up new markets in India for American products (tree nuts, dried distillers grains, red sorghum, fruits etc.). In the map, PoK and Aksai Chin were shown as part of India.
PoK is usually shown separately on US government maps, which reflects Pakistan’s claim. There was no such separate line in this map. All disputed areas were shown within the Indian border.
The post was made after the trade deal was announced
After this, discussion started whether this happened by mistake or it is a sign of a new phase in India-America relations. The post was made at a time when a major interim trade agreement was signed between India and the US. Under the agreement, American national Donald Trump has reduced the tariff imposed on Indian goods to 18%.
India has always considered both these parts as its integral parts. In such a situation, this step of America gave a big shock to both Pakistan and China and this map became a topic of discussion. However, this post has now been removed from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s account without any explanation.
Talking about America’s stand on PoK, it has repeatedly reiterated that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. However, President Donald Trump has several times offered mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. America’s stance is that it will intervene in this issue only when both sides request. At the same time, India has completely rejected Trump’s appeal for mediation.