In a bold departure from decades of diplomatic “neutrality,” the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has officially shared an infographic that depicts the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, as integral parts of India.
Released on February 6, 2026, alongside the announcement of the India-US Interim Trade Framework (ITF), the map pointedly excludes any separate demarcation or dotted lines for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) or China-administered Aksai Chin.
Analysts view this move by the Trump administration as a calculated strategic signal to Pakistan and China, aligning Washington’s cartographic stance with India’s 2019 political reorganization for the first time in such a high-profile economic context.
Beyond the territorial symbolism, the Interim Trade Framework marks a significant de-escalation of trade tensions. The deal resolves months of friction sparked by high reciprocal duties and India’s energy dependencies.
The “Reciprocal” Breakthrough:
- Tariff Slashes: US tariffs on a wide range of Indian exports—including textiles, engineering goods, and leather—have been cut from a punitive 50% down to a competitive 18%.
- Zero-Duty Access: Critical sectors like generic pharmaceuticals and aircraft parts will now enjoy zero-duty access to the American market, a major win for the “Make in India” initiative.
- Energy Pivot: In exchange for market access, India has committed to a massive $500 billion energy and tech procurement plan over the next five years, transitioning away from Russian oil in favor of US-sourced crude, coking coal, and LNG.
On the flip side, the deal opens doors for the American heartland. US exporters of tree nuts, red sorghum, and dried grains will benefit from significantly reduced import duties in India. By protecting sensitive Indian dairy and staple crops while opening up premium agricultural segments, the deal is being hailed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as a “win-win for farmers and MSMEs on both sides.”