WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD — The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has removed a map from its official social media account after Pakistan lodged a formal protest over its depiction of disputed Kashmir as part of India.

The image, shared in connection with a U.S.-India trade announcement, showed the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir — including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Aksai Chin — within India’s borders. Pakistani officials said the map contradicted the internationally recognized status of Kashmir as a disputed territory and raised the issue through diplomatic channels.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that it engaged U.S. authorities, including the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, describing the map as inaccurate. Officials cited United Nations Security Council resolutions that identify Kashmir as a disputed region pending final settlement.

The map was later removed from the USTR’s social media platform. U.S. officials did not publicly comment on the deletion, and the broader trade-related post remains accessible without the image.

Diplomatic sensitivity of Kashmir maps

Kashmir has been disputed between Pakistan and India since 1947 and is divided by the Line of Control, with both countries administering separate portions while claiming the territory in full. China administers Aksai Chin, which is claimed by India.

Cartographic representations issued by foreign governments are closely scrutinized because they can be interpreted as reflecting policy positions. In past instances, U.S. government materials have typically marked the Line of Control and indicated the territory’s disputed status.