US U-turn: deletes previously released map showing PoK and Aksai Chin as part of India

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): The US has clarified its stance after a social media post surfaced regarding Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin. Following the announcement of the India-US trade deal, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) shared a map of India on the social media platform X. This map showed the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, as well as the Chinese-controlled Aksai Chin as part of India. However, the USTR later removed the post.

US U-turn on PoK and Aksai Chin, previously claimed it was part of India; now deletes post: This map, shared after the announcement of the trade deal, sparked discussion in diplomatic circles. The map depicted the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India. Aksai Chin, which China controls and claims, was also shown as Indian territory.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. India also maintains that Aksai Chin is its territory based on historical facts and prior agreements. China, on the other hand, has periodically issued "standard maps" in which it claims Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin, Taiwan, and disputed areas in the South China Sea.

It is noteworthy that India and the United States recently announced the creation of a framework for the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. Under this framework, both countries will reduce import tariffs on several goods, which is expected to boost bilateral trade.