New Delhi — In a move aimed at strengthening global engagement in the Middle East, former U.S. President Donald Trump has formally invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join a new international initiative called the “Board of Peace” for Gaza. The initiative is part of the second phase of Trump’s ceasefire framework intended to end the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The invitation, shared publicly by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Sunday, comes as the United States seeks participation from influential nations worldwide to monitor developments in Gaza and contribute to a sustainable peace process. The letter from Trump to Modi emphasizes the historic nature of the initiative and frames India’s participation as a vital component in shaping a lasting resolution in the Middle East.

Trump’s Letter to PM Modi

Trump’s letter opens with an acknowledgment of India’s stature in global diplomacy. “It is my Great Honor to invite you, as Prime Minister of the Republic of India, to join me in a critically Historic and Magnificent effort to solidify Peace in the Middle East and, at the same time, to embark on a bold new approach to resolving Global Conflict!” the letter reads.

In the communication, Trump references his administration’s earlier 20-point plan designed to end the Gaza conflict and underscores that the creation of the ‘Board of Peace’ represents a continuation and enhancement of that roadmap. He described the board as “the most impressive and consequential,” highlighting that it aims to bring together countries committed to achieving lasting peace in one of the most volatile regions in the world.

“We will convene our wonderful and committed partners, most of whom are Highly Respected World Leaders, in the near future,” Trump wrote, signaling that the initiative would include high-level representation from participating nations.

Purpose and Function of the ‘Board of Peace’

The proposed ‘Board of Peace’ is envisioned as a multilateral oversight body to monitor and guide the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. While the first phase focused on halting hostilities and creating immediate humanitarian relief corridors, the second phase aims at a broader, long-term stabilization, with an emphasis on reconstruction, governance, and regional security cooperation.

The board’s responsibilities will include assessing ceasefire compliance, facilitating humanitarian aid, promoting dialogue among stakeholders, and supporting conflict-resolution mechanisms. Participating nations are expected to leverage diplomatic, economic, and technical tools to ensure that progress on the ground is sustained and that hostilities do not resume.

The initiative also comes at a time when the U.S. seeks to reassert its leadership role in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Analysts suggest that involving nations like India, with its longstanding commitment to multilateralism and peacekeeping, will add credibility to the board and provide a balance between regional and global interests.

India’s Potential Role and Considerations

If India accepts Trump’s invitation, it would serve a three-year term on the board. According to some media reports, a $1 billion financial contribution could secure permanent membership for a country. However, White House officials have dismissed these claims as misleading, emphasizing that the board’s mandate is diplomatic and supervisory rather than transactional.

India’s participation, should it choose to join, could be a significant diplomatic gesture, reinforcing its role as a neutral and influential actor in global peace efforts. India has historically maintained a careful balance in the Israel-Palestine conflict, supporting a two-state solution while fostering strong bilateral ties with Israel. Joining the board would be consistent with India’s broader foreign policy objectives of supporting peace initiatives without direct military involvement.

Other Invited Countries

The United States has extended invitations to a diverse set of countries to join the board, including Hungary, Australia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina, and Albania. To date, Hungary and Vietnam have formally accepted the invitation. Other nations are reportedly reviewing the proposal, weighing the diplomatic and strategic implications of participating in an initiative overseen by the United States.

Timing Amid U.S.-India Trade Tensions

The letter arrives at a politically sensitive time in India-U.S. relations, as the two countries continue trade negotiations following Washington’s imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian crude oil imports linked to its ongoing trade with Russia. Analysts suggest that the invitation to join the board could also be interpreted as a diplomatic overture aimed at offsetting tensions in bilateral economic discussions. India’s potential engagement in the board may provide a platform for reinforcing strategic ties while also showcasing its global influence in conflict resolution.

Diplomatic and Strategic Implications

Observers note that the ‘Board of Peace’ initiative carries multiple strategic dimensions. Beyond immediate conflict resolution, it positions the U.S. as a convenor of international consensus and underscores the value of multilateral oversight in volatile regions. For participating nations, it offers opportunities to exercise soft power, enhance diplomatic networks, and shape outcomes in a conflict with far-reaching geopolitical consequences.

For India, membership on the board would highlight its commitment to multilateral solutions and international peacekeeping. It would also provide an avenue to advocate for humanitarian aid and reconstruction assistance in Gaza, areas where India has previously contributed through UN agencies and bilateral channels.

Mixed Reactions in Global Circles

While the initiative has been lauded in some quarters as an ambitious step toward durable peace, others have raised concerns about its feasibility. Critics argue that previous international interventions in Gaza have faced significant challenges due to the complex web of regional alliances, militant factions, and political interests. The success of the board will depend on the willingness of all parties, including Israel, Hamas, and regional actors, to respect the ceasefire and engage in constructive dialogue.

Moreover, questions have been raised regarding the governance and transparency of the board, particularly given the high-profile involvement of former U.S. officials and the potential for financial contributions to influence decision-making. Washington has sought to address these concerns by emphasizing the non-monetary, diplomatic nature of participation.

Looking Ahead

As discussions around the board continue, attention is likely to focus on which nations will formally accept the invitation and the level of resources and diplomatic effort they are willing to commit. The proposed board could become a testing ground for new approaches to conflict resolution, blending traditional diplomacy with multilateral oversight and humanitarian coordination.

For India, Prime Minister Modi’s decision on whether to accept the invitation could send a strong signal to both domestic and international audiences about New Delhi’s foreign policy priorities. Participation could reinforce India’s image as a responsible global actor capable of contributing to solutions for protracted conflicts. Conversely, a decision to decline may reflect caution in aligning too closely with U.S.-led initiatives in a politically sensitive region.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s invitation to PM Modi to join the ‘Board of Peace’ represents a bold effort to convene global leaders to address one of the most enduring conflicts in the Middle East. By framing the initiative as both historic and “magnificent,” Trump underscores the potential for international cooperation to stabilize Gaza and promote lasting peace.

For India, the decision carries diplomatic, strategic, and ethical dimensions. Participation would place the country at the heart of an ambitious international effort, enhancing its role in global diplomacy while signaling support for humanitarian and conflict-resolution objectives. As the U.S. and other nations finalize their responses, the world will watch closely to see how this new phase of ceasefire efforts unfolds and whether the ‘Board of Peace’ can translate ambition into tangible outcomes on the ground.