In a significant development on the international stage, US President Donald Trump has invited India to join the so-called “Board of Peace” for Gaza, a body intended to oversee reconstruction, governance, and investment in the conflict-ravaged enclave. According to sources familiar with the matter, India’s inclusion positions it alongside other global leaders tasked with contributing to stability and peacebuilding in the region.
The invitation was extended as part of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which has brought a temporary halt to the recent bombardment of Gaza. The Board of Peace is envisioned as an international oversight body that will coordinate the rebuilding of infrastructure, mobilize investments, and provide technical support to Palestinian governance institutions. Its formation underscores a renewed push by the United States to play a central role in Middle East peace processes.
While details of India’s role on the board have not been officially disclosed, sources indicated that the country has been approached in recognition of its longstanding diplomatic engagement in the region and its reputation as a neutral and constructive partner in international peacebuilding initiatives. India joins a diverse group of invitees, including Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders of France, Germany, Australia, and Canada.
The move came shortly after Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also received an invitation to join the board. The inclusion of India and Pakistan in the initiative, alongside key Western powers and Middle Eastern states, highlights the global scope of Trump’s envisioned mechanism for conflict resolution in Gaza.
Some of the operational and financial details of the Board of Peace have emerged through letters sent by Trump to the leaders of other nations. Letters posted publicly by Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Paraguay’s President Santiago Pena outline the board’s mission to “solidify peace in the Middle East” and “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.” These communications indicate that membership carries not only diplomatic and advisory responsibilities but also a financial commitment, with a draft charter reportedly requesting member countries to contribute $1 billion if they wish their participation to extend beyond three years.
The Financial Times described the Board of Peace in its draft charter as “an international organisation that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.” Members are expected to leverage their political influence, technical expertise, and financial resources to ensure the board can fulfill its mandate in Gaza.
The announcement of India’s invitation coincides with broader efforts by the Trump administration to structure a multi-tiered governance and reconstruction framework for Gaza. In addition to the Board of Peace, a Gaza executive boardhas been proposed to oversee the so-called National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, comprising Palestinian technocrats who will implement policy and reconstruction projects on the ground. This dual approach—international oversight combined with local administration—aims to ensure accountability and sustainable governance while preventing the resurgence of hostilities.
Among the founding executive members of the board, as announced by Trump, are several high-profile figures. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair—whose legacy has been controversial due to his support for the 2003 Iraq invasion—is included, alongside Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy to the Middle East, and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. Many of these individuals are also linked to the Gaza executive board, indicating an overlap between strategic oversight and operational management of reconstruction efforts.
The initiative represents a bold departure from traditional multilateral approaches to Gaza, such as UN-led reconstruction programs, by relying on a small group of influential leaders and technocrats to coordinate policy, financing, and governance reforms. The emphasis on financial contributions from member states is intended to ensure that the board has sufficient resources to deliver tangible improvements, including rebuilding infrastructure, supporting humanitarian aid, and fostering economic growth in Gaza.
Observers have noted that India’s involvement is likely to be primarily diplomatic and advisory, given the country’s historical preference for supporting multilateral mechanisms while maintaining neutrality in conflicts involving Israel and Palestine. India has historically engaged in humanitarian assistance in Gaza and advocated for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, balancing relations with both Israel and Arab states. Its participation in the Board of Peace could enhance its influence in shaping reconstruction and governance outcomes while aligning with its broader foreign policy objectives.
The inclusion of other countries, such as Turkey, Egypt, and major European powers, reflects an attempt to combine regional insights with global governance experience. Egypt, in particular, has historically played a mediating role between Israel and Palestinian factions, while Turkey has engaged with Hamas diplomatically. Western countries and multilateral institutions, meanwhile, bring financial and technical resources, as well as experience in post-conflict reconstruction.
Trump’s initiative also signals a shift toward privately-led international interventions, relying on influential political figures and business leaders rather than solely on intergovernmental organizations like the UN or World Bank. By appointing high-profile individuals such as Blair and Kushner, the administration appears to be emphasizing a results-oriented approach that bypasses traditional bureaucratic channels. This approach, however, has already drawn scrutiny and debate over governance, accountability, and the political motivations of board members.
The financial commitment expected from participating countries—$1 billion for three-year membership—underscores the scale of the planned reconstruction and the emphasis on long-term investment in Gaza’s stability. It also raises questions about the sustainability of such funding and whether contributions will be evenly distributed or dependent on bilateral negotiations.
India’s decision to accept or decline the invitation will likely involve careful diplomatic consultations, weighing the potential benefits of participating in the board against domestic and regional political considerations. Engagement could allow India to shape governance reforms, promote economic development, and enhance humanitarian assistance in Gaza, while also reinforcing its image as a responsible global actor. At the same time, India will need to balance relations with other stakeholders, including Arab states and Israel, in navigating a sensitive and politically complex environment.
The Board of Peace, as currently envisioned, represents an ambitious experiment in global peacebuilding, combining high-level diplomacy, financial investment, and technocratic oversight to address the lingering humanitarian, political, and security challenges in Gaza. If successful, it could offer a new template for post-conflict reconstruction and governance in other volatile regions. However, the initiative also faces challenges related to legitimacy, accountability, and coordination with existing international organizations and local authorities.
In summary, India’s invitation to join Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza marks a significant opportunity for the country to contribute to international efforts in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. The board, which also includes leaders from the US, Europe, the Middle East, and other global powers, aims to provide governance oversight, mobilize financial resources, and support reconstruction initiatives in Gaza. With an emphasis on both technical expertise and financial commitment, the initiative underscores the growing role of high-level international actors in shaping outcomes in conflict-affected regions. India’s participation could bolster its diplomatic influence, promote stability in the Middle East, and enhance its reputation as a constructive player in global peacebuilding efforts.
Leave a Reply