New Delhi, January 19, 2026: India has received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join a newly formed international body dubbed the “Board of Peace” for Gaza, officials familiar with the matter said on Sunday. Pakistan has also been invited to participate in the board, highlighting the United States’ efforts to engage multiple regional and global players in the next phase of its Middle East peace initiative.

The Board of Peace is part of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel and Hamas, aimed at consolidating peace and facilitating reconstruction in the Gaza Strip after months of intense bombardment. The initiative is intended to provide governance, rebuild infrastructure, mobilize investments, and oversee financial assistance in the war-torn enclave.

“India has been invited by President Trump to be part of the Board of Peace for Gaza,” a government official said on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitive nature of ongoing diplomatic discussions. No further details regarding India’s formal response or the modalities of participation have been officially released.

Pakistan Also Invited

Hours before India’s invitation was reported, Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had received an invitation from President Trump to join the board. While India and Pakistan are often at odds in global diplomacy, their inclusion in the Board of Peace reflects Washington’s strategy of involving both South Asian powers in regional peace and reconstruction efforts.

The board reportedly also includes world leaders such as Turkish 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. By assembling a mix of regional and global actors, the US administration aims to create a broad coalition capable of providing financial, technical, and political support for post-conflict Gaza.

Purpose and Mandate of the Board of Peace

Details of the Board of Peace have emerged from letters sent by Trump to the presidents of Argentina and Paraguay, as well as a draft charter reportedly circulated to over 60 countries. According to these documents, the board’s mandate is to promote stability, restore governance, mobilize capital, and foster sustainable peace in conflict-affected areas.

Trump’s letter to Argentina’s President Javier Milei described the board as a vehicle to “solidify peace in the Middle East” and “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.” The draft charter, cited by Reuters and the Financial Times, stipulates that countries wishing to remain members for more than three years would need to contribute $1 billion in funding. The money is expected to support reconstruction, governance, and capacity-building projects in Gaza.

The board is envisioned as an international organization with a dual focus: assisting Palestinian authorities in administrative governance and leveraging international resources for rebuilding and development. One of its primary roles will be to oversee the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which consists of Palestinian technocrats tasked with day-to-day governance in the region.

Key Leadership of the Board

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has previously faced criticism for his role in supporting the 2003 invasion of Iraq, has been named as one of the founding executive members. Blair will join a team that includes 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 listed as members of a “Gaza executive board,” which will directly supervise the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. The executive board is expected to coordinate between international stakeholders and local Palestinian authorities to ensure transparency, efficiency, and adherence to agreed post-conflict reconstruction standards.

Reconstruction and Governance Challenges

Gaza has suffered extensive damage during recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with critical infrastructure, residential buildings, schools, and hospitals heavily impacted. The ceasefire agreement ended direct hostilities, but rebuilding and governance challenges remain formidable. The Board of Peace aims to provide oversight and technical support to Palestinian authorities, ensuring that aid and reconstruction efforts reach intended beneficiaries while reducing the risk of mismanagement or corruption.

Capacity-building for governance is another critical objective. The board’s involvement in administrative processes and technical support is expected to strengthen the ability of Palestinian technocrats to manage public services, healthcare, education, and economic initiatives in Gaza. By combining international expertise with local administration, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable model for post-conflict governance.

International Engagement and Financial Commitment

The $1 billion contribution requirement for membership underscores the financial stakes involved. Countries participating in the board will not only provide capital but also technical assistance, policy guidance, and strategic oversight. This structure mirrors other post-conflict reconstruction bodies, where funding commitments are tied to governance and accountability mechanisms to ensure meaningful impact.

The US administration, through this initiative, is attempting to establish a multilateral framework for peace-building in Gaza that transcends bilateral negotiations between Israel and Hamas. By involving multiple regional powers and global stakeholders, the Board of Peace aims to create a platform for sustained diplomatic engagement, economic support, and governance reforms.

India’s Role and Strategic Implications

India’s inclusion reflects its longstanding diplomatic engagement in the Middle East and its growing role as a global player in peace and development initiatives. India has historically maintained relations with both Israel and Palestine, supporting humanitarian efforts and reconstruction programs in Gaza. Participation in the Board of Peace could enhance India’s influence in regional diplomacy, provide opportunities for development cooperation, and reinforce its image as a responsible international actor.

While India has yet to publicly confirm its acceptance or outline specific contributions, engagement in such a high-profile initiative could also facilitate closer ties with the United States and other global powers involved in Middle East peace processes.

Pakistan’s Participation and Diplomatic Dynamics

Pakistan’s invitation to the board highlights Washington’s intent to involve regional actors traditionally concerned with Palestinian affairs. Pakistan has consistently positioned itself as a supporter of Palestinian sovereignty, and its participation could add political legitimacy to the board’s initiatives within the Arab and Muslim world.

However, the inclusion of both India and Pakistan introduces complexities, given the historically tense relations between the two countries. Diplomatic coordination, parallel engagements, and conflict-sensitive approaches will likely be necessary to ensure constructive cooperation within the board.

Global Reception and Outlook

The initiative has already generated discussion in international media and diplomatic circles. Analysts note that while the Board of Peace is ambitious, its success will depend on the willingness of member states to contribute resources, coordinate effectively, and respect the authority of Palestinian governance structures. Critics may question the inclusion of controversial figures like Tony Blair, while proponents argue that experienced leaders can bring strategic insight to complex reconstruction challenges.

If implemented effectively, the board could serve as a model for multilateral engagement in conflict zones, balancing financial assistance, governance capacity-building, and political oversight to stabilize regions recovering from war.

Conclusion

The invitation extended by President Donald Trump to India and Pakistan to join the Board of Peace for Gaza marks a significant step in international post-conflict engagement. As part of the second-phase ceasefire initiative, the board is expected to oversee reconstruction, governance, and investment in Gaza, while coordinating with Palestinian technocrats and international stakeholders.

With global leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and other regions also participating, the initiative represents a multilateral approach to peace-building, aimed at fostering stability and sustainable development in one of the most conflict-affected regions of the world. For India, Pakistan, and other invited countries, the board offers an opportunity to shape the post-conflict trajectory of Gaza while advancing their diplomatic and strategic interests on the global stage.