America recognizes PoK as part of India, touches Pakistan’s sore spot

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India and the United States have reached a consensus on an interim trade agreement, and official statements have been released by both sides. Amid this development, Pakistan has received a major setback. The United States has shown Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The development came after an official post by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), which shared a map of India along with details of the interim India–US trade framework. In this map, the entire Jammu and Kashmir region is shown as part of India, with PoK clearly included and no separate demarcation.

Notably, the map released by the US trade department does not show the Line of Control (LoC) and does not mark any area as disputed. Jammu and Kashmir is presented clearly as Indian territory. The USTR post stated that the interim trade framework would open new markets in India for American products.

According to the USTR, products such as tree nuts, dried distillers grains, red sorghum, and fresh and processed fruits will gain improved access to the Indian market under this agreement. While the trade announcement was the main focus, the map shared with the post has drawn the most attention, triggering wide discussion at the international level.