US deletes map showing PoK and Aksai Chin as India amid trade deal – what went wrong? | World News

New Delhi: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has deleted a social media post depicting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin as integral parts of India. The post was shared last week while announcing the interim trade agreement between India and the US.

Unlike typical US maps, which usually mark PoK separately and acknowledge Pakistan’s sensitivities, this map showed the disputed territories entirely within India’s borders without any distinction. The post was shared on The announcement raised hopes of increased cooperation between the two countries.

The map also included Aksai Chin, located in northeastern Ladakh, which is part of India. China claims the region, while India sees it as an integral part of its territory. Similarly, PoK was depicted as Indian territory without any specific boundary line. The map matched India’s official territorial boundaries, which was welcomed within the country.

The removal of the post came amid speculation over whether the original map was a mistake or a deliberate gesture amid a reset in India-US relations. The post drew reaction because it contradicted the territorial claims of not only India, but also Pakistan and China. Ultimately, USTR deleted the post from the official X account without making any public statement.

The Indian government has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country. The State Department has repeatedly expressed objections that maps used by the US State Department and other international organizations show incorrect borders for Jammu, Kashmir or Arunachal Pradesh.