Highlights:
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President Trump has invited India to join a proposed global “Board of Peace” initially focused on Gaza.
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Pakistan has also received an invitation and has said it will engage with international peace efforts.
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The initiative is tied to a US-backed Gaza ceasefire framework approved by the UN Security Council.
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Countries can serve renewable three-year terms without payment or seek permanent membership by contributing over $1 billion.
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India has not yet indicated whether it will accept the invitation.
The Trump administration has formally invited India and Pakistan to participate in President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” a new international initiative aimed at stabilizing Gaza and addressing broader global conflicts. The invitation comes as India considers its response against the backdrop of strained US-India trade relations and ongoing disagreements over tariffs.
The initiative was confirmed through a White House statement shared on social media platform X by the US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor. According to the statement, the Trump administration views the Board of Peace as a central element of its approach to conflict resolution in Gaza following the Israel-Hamas war.
As of now, India has not publicly responded to the invitation. India’s Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately comment, leaving New Delhi’s position on the Trump administration’s proposal unclear.
Trump initiative and US-India context
The timing of the invitation is notable. Relations between Washington and New Delhi have recently faced pressure due to trade disputes, including the failure to reach an agreement that would lower US tariffs on Indian exports. Some tariffs currently stand as high as 50 percent, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
Despite these challenges, the Trump administration has continued diplomatic outreach to India, viewing it as a key regional and global partner. The invitation to the Board of Peace places India alongside several other countries approached by Washington as part of the initiative.
Trump invites Pakistan and other countries
President Trump has extended invitations to approximately 60 countries to join the Board of Peace, including major global and regional players. Pakistan, India’s neighbor and longtime rival, confirmed it had received an invitation and said it would remain engaged in international efforts related to Gaza.
Pakistan’s government stated it would participate in peace and security initiatives “consistent with United Nations resolutions on the Palestinian issue,” signaling a willingness to engage while maintaining its longstanding diplomatic position.
Trump-backed Gaza framework and UN role
According to US officials, the Board of Peace is envisioned as a new international organization and a transitional governing body that would oversee Gaza’s administration and long-term stability. The proposal forms part of the second phase of a US-backed ceasefire framework 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. Russia and China abstained from the vote, citing concerns about the structure of the plan and its potential impact on Palestinian statehood.
The Trump administration has framed the initiative as a mechanism to coordinate reconstruction, governance, and security in Gaza while reducing the risk of renewed conflict.
Trump letter to Modi outlines vision
In a letter dated Friday and addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump described the proposed body as a “critically historic and magnificent effort” aimed at achieving lasting peace in West Asia. He wrote that the Board of Peace would bring together countries prepared to “lead by example” and contribute to long-term regional stability.
The language of the letter underscores Trump’s personal involvement in the initiative and his intention to position the board as a central pillar of US foreign policy in the region.
Trump-led structure and membership terms
The Board of Peace would be chaired by Trump himself. It would be supported by an executive board that reportedly includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, World Bank President Ajay Banga, businessman Marc Rowan, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Participation in the board comes with different membership options. Countries may serve renewable three-year terms without making a financial contribution. Nations seeking permanent membership, however, would be required to contribute more than $1 billion within one year. These funds would be used to support the board’s operations and long-term programs. Reports indicate that such contributions would provide permanent members with sustained influence within the organization.
Trump, Gaza, and the conflict background
The war in Gaza escalated following Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in hostages being taken. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has caused widespread destruction in Gaza and led to the deaths of more than 67,000 people, according to local authorities.
The scale of the humanitarian crisis has drawn sustained international attention, prompting renewed diplomatic efforts led by the United States under Trump’s administration.
What Trump’s proposal could mean for India
Whether India chooses to join the Board of Peace could carry significant diplomatic implications. Participation would place India in a visible role in West Asia at a time of heightened regional instability, while also shaping its evolving relationship with the Trump administration.
For now, New Delhi’s decision remains pending, as policymakers assess the political, strategic, and economic dimensions of joining a Trump-led international body tied closely to US foreign policy objectives in Gaza.
