Highlights:
The Trump administration has invited India and Pakistan to join president' proposed 'Board of Peace,' a new international initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, with an initial focus on the war-torn zone Gaza Strip. The initiative was confirmed through a White House statement shared on social media platform X by the US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor.
As of now, it remains unclear whether India will accept the offer. India's Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving its position on the intiative uncertain. The invitation comes at a sensitive moment in US-India relations, which have recently faced strain over trade disagreements, including the failure to secure a deal that would reduce steep US tariffs, currently as high as 50 per cent on Indian exports.
President Trump has extended invitations to around 60 coutries to participate in the Board of Peace, including several major global and regional players. Among them is Pakistan, India's neighbor and longtime rival, whose government said it would remain engaged in international efforts to promote peace and security in Gaza, consistent with United Nations resolutions on the Palestinian issue.
According to U.S. officials, the Board of Peace is envisioned as a new international organization and transitional governing body that would help oversee Gaza’s administration and long-term stability. The initiative forms part of the second phase of a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas. A United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in November authorized the Board of Peace to oversee Gaza at least through the end of 2027, though Russia and China abstained, citing concerns about the plan’s structure and its implications for Palestinian statehood.
Trump, in a letter dated Friday and addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, described the board as a “critically historic and magnificent effort” to achieve lasting peace in West Asia. He said the initiative would bring together nations prepared to lead by example and invest in a stable and prosperous future for the region.
Participation on the board comes with different terms. Countries can serve renewable three-year appointments without making any financial contribution. However, nations seeking permanent membership would be required to contribute more than $1 billion within a year, funds that would be used to support the board’s activities. Reports indicate that such contributions would secure long-term influence within the organization.
The initiative would be chaired by Trump himself and supported by an executive board that reportedly includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, World Bank President Ajay Banga, billionaire businessman Marc Rowan, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The conflict in Gaza escalated dramatically after Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and led to hostages being taken. Israel’s subsequent military offensive has resulted in widespread devastation and the deaths of more than 67,000 people in Gaza, according to local authorities.
Whether India chooses to join the Board of Peace could have significant diplomatic implications, both for its role in West Asia and for its evolving relationship with Washington.
