A map posted by the US Trade Representative during the India-US trade deal announcement has triggered debate after it was quietly deleted. The visual showed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin as part of India, a departure from Washington’s earlier cartographic practice. Historically, US government maps have reflected disputed status with separate markings. This version did not. Soon after speculation grew, the entire post was taken down. The move comes as India and the United States lower tariffs and deepen strategic ties. For New Delhi, territorial claims over Jammu and Kashmir and Aksai Chin are firm and non-negotiable. The brief appearance of the map seemed to align with India’s position. Its removal suggests Washington may be cautious about formalising any shift amid sensitivities with Pakistan and China. In diplomacy, visuals matter. And sometimes, removing a map sends as strong a message as posting it.