US deletes map showing PoK, Aksai Chin as Indian territory:Drops ‘agriculture’ on Indian ‘intent’ to buy list, $500 billion purchase by India not mandatory

The US Trade Representative’s office removed a social media post that showed a map of India including the entire Jammu and Kashmir region, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and the Aksai Chin area as part of Indian territory. The map depicted all of Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, as Indian territory. It also showed Aksai Chin, claimed by China, as part of India. Meanwhile, US has made several major changes to its fact sheet on the recent trade deal with India. Points that were clearly mentioned before have now either been removed or reworded. Last week, both countries announced the trade deal. After that, the White House released a fact sheet outlining the next steps. But now, a new version of the same document has been issued. The biggest change is regarding pulses. Earlier, it was stated that India would reduce or eliminate tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products, including pulses. Now, the new document has removed any mention of pulses. The language about the $500 billion purchase has also been changed. Earlier, it said India was “committed” to buying $500 billion worth of goods from the US. Now, it has been changed to “intends to.” US softens stance on digital service tariff The new document mentions only energy, information and communication technology, coal, and some other goods. The US has also shown flexibility on the digital service tariff. Earlier, it was stated that India would remove this tariff. Now, it only says that India is ready to discuss rules for digital trade. The US has also decided to roll back the 25% tariff imposed on India as a penalty for importing Russian oil. This decision is expected to provide relief of ₹40,000 crore to Indian businesses. According to official White House information, imports on which this penalty was imposed between 27 August 2025 and 6 February 2026 will be refunded. The refund will be issued under the US Customs and Border Protection law. How much refund Indian exporters will actually receive is not yet determined, because the refund will be given to the US importers, who will then negotiate with Indian exporters to decide the share. Task force formed to monitor India Under the interim agreement framework for the trade deal, a US task force of three ministers has been formed by President Donald Trump to monitor that India does not resume oil imports from Russia. The task force includes the Commerce Minister, Foreign Minister, and Finance Minister. If the committee finds that India has restarted oil imports from Russia, it can recommend to President Trump to reimpose the 25% penalty and take other actions. Benefits India will get from this agreement: Reduction in US tariffs: US tariffs on Indian goods have been cut by up to 18%, giving Indian exporters better access to the US market. Zero tariffs on select products: Tariffs will be completely removed on generic drugs, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts, boosting competition in these sectors. Access to a $30 trillion market: Indian MSMEs, farmers, fishers, women, and young entrepreneurs will gain entry into the US market. Boost to export sectors: New opportunities in textiles, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, home décor, handicrafts, and certain machinery. Section 232 exemption: US Section 232 exemption will apply to aircraft parts. Tariff rate quota for auto parts: Special access in the US for certain auto components. Better terms for generic drugs: Improved tariff and regulatory conditions for Indian generic pharmaceuticals.