New Delhi, February 7: Recent details have emerged regarding the interim trade agreement between India and the United States. The U.S. Trade Representative shared a map of India on social media, which is likely to provoke strong reactions from both China and Pakistan.
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) stated that this agreement will open new markets for American products in India. This is the first time the U.S. has shared such a clear map, which is seen as a recognition of India’s full territorial integrity.
The map shared by the USTR prominently includes Aksai Chin and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) as part of India. India has consistently maintained that POK and Aksai Chin are integral parts of its territory. However, both China and Pakistan continue to make false claims regarding these regions. The USTR’s map is expected to be particularly irksome for both countries.
In 2020, Pakistan released a political map claiming POK, parts of Ladakh, Junagadh, Manavadar, and Sir Creek as its territory. India has consistently rejected these baseless claims.
Meanwhile, China frequently asserts its claims over Indian territory. In 2023, China issued a standard map declaring Arunachal Pradesh as ‘South Tibet’ and Aksai Chin as its own. India promptly dismissed this, stating that such maps do not alter reality.
In this context, the map released by the U.S. serves as a direct rebuke to both nations. Notably, the map does not show any separate demarcation or disputed line for POK.
In the caption of the post, the USTR noted, “From tree nuts and dried distillers grains to red sorghum and fresh and processed fruits, the U.S.-India agreement will provide new market access for American products.” The release of this map has sparked considerable discussion.
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K.K./A.B.M
