While the focus was on the joint statement issued by India and the US announcing a framework for an interim trade agreement, a post shared by the United States Trade Representative on X has gone viral for an entirely different reason.
The post shared a map of India with the graphical representation of how the new India-US agreement will provide market access to American products. The post soon grabbed the attention of the netizens for the map, which showed the northern Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India, including the portion illegally occupied by Pakistan, or the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The map also included Aksai Chin, which China claims to be part of its territory. It has always laid claim to the disputed land, despite India's objections.
From tree nuts and dried distillers’ grains to red sorghum and fresh and processed fruit, the U.S.-India Agreement will provide new market access for American products. pic.twitter.com/mqpP10LJp1
— United States Trade Representative (@USTradeRep) February 6, 2026
India has always maintained that Kashmir is an integral part of the country. If deliberate, the sharing of the Indian map with entire Kashmir marks a departure from the US's earlier stance. The maps issued by the US and its State Department previously were drawn showing a clear and distinct boundary for the PoK region, a practice that acknowledged Pakistan's stance.
The MEA has repeatedly objected to the wrong depiction of India's borders – especially, Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh – on maps used by the US State Department and other global agencies.
If deliberate, the map is a strong diplomatic signal to Pakistan and China that the US is in line with India's position on the matter.
No duty concessions on sensitive grains, fruits, dairy, meat
India will not lower import duties on sensitive farm and dairy products as part of an interim trade agreement with the United States. This means key goods like maize, wheat, rice, soya, poultry, milk, cheese, ethanol (for fuel), tobacco, certain vegetables, and meat will not see any duty concessions for American imports.
The announcement came as India and the US established a framework for this interim trade deal. As part of the agreement, the US will significantly reduce tariffs on certain Indian goods, dropping them from 50 percent to 18 percent.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed it in a social media post.
The interests of our farmers remain paramount in all trade negotiations. The Modi Government remains fully committed to protecting our Annadatas and securing rural livelihoods.
No concessions have been extended to sensitive agricultural sector produce in grains, fruits,… pic.twitter.com/6QiohiyKL5
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 7, 2026
These products are considered "sensitive" because the livelihoods of millions of small and marginal farmers across the country depend on them, with agriculture and related activities like animal husbandry providing jobs for over 700 million people. Goyal emphasised that the interests of farmers remain a top priority in all trade negotiations, stating that the government is dedicated to protecting them.
In other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including recently finalised pacts with the European Union, the UK, and Australia, India has consistently refused to lower import duties on its most sensitive agricultural and dairy items. |
