India Receives Invitation to Join Trump Board of Peace for Gaza

India Receives Invitation to Join Trump Board of Peace for Gaza

Why in News? 

India has been officially invited by U.S. President Donald Trump to join his newly proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza. India is among approximately 60 nations invited for this, reflecting its expanding diplomatic influence.

• India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Australia are among the prominent Asia-Pacific nations invited to join President Trump’s “Board of Peace” for Gaza. 

What is the “Board of Peace for Gaza”?

• About: The Board of Peace for Gaza is a newly proposed international body initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of his Gaza Peace Plan Framework intended to end the Israel-Gaza conflict, oversee governance and long-term stability in the war-torn Gaza Strip. 
• Announcement: The Board was formally announced on 15 January 2026, with Trump describing it as a historic mechanism for peace and rebuilding post-conflict Gaza. 
• Objectives: The primary objectives of the Board of Peace are:

• To oversee the transition from active conflict to stable governance and reconstruction in Gaza by providing international supervision over post-war arrangements.
• To support and supervise the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic committee responsible for day-to-day governance, public services, and civil administration in the territory.
• To mobilize and coordinate global financial resources for rebuilding infrastructure, housing, health, education and economic recovery across Gaza.
• To manage peacebuilding phases, including disarmament, security arrangements and reforms in local institutions.

• Legal Basis: The Board of Peace’s legal foundation stems from United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted in November 2025, which welcomed the formation of a Board of Peace as part of the international framework for the Gaza ceasefire and transitional governance.
• Structure: The Board of Peace is structured as follows:

• Chairman: Donald J. Trump has been named as the inaugural chairman of the Board, with authority that includes renewal and oversight functions.

• Executive Board: A core executive team includes global figures and policymakers — such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, and others — tasked with high-level guidance and decision-making.

• Working Bodies: It works closely with a Gaza Executive Board coordinating with the Palestinian committee and an International Stabilisation Force for security and disarmament.
• Functions: Key functions of the Board’s operational framework include:

• Governance Oversight: Supervision of the NCAG, ensuring impartial administration, and civil service delivery.
• Funding Mechanisms: Countries can contribute to a reconstruction fund; $1 billion guarantees permanent board membership, while others join for fixed terms.
• Security and Disarmament: Oversight of disarmament of militant groups like Hamas and coordination of a multinational stabilisation force.
• Reconstruction and Economic Recovery: Strategic planning for rebuilding infrastructure and revitalizing the economy.
• Expansion Clause: Although initiated for Gaza, the Board’s charter outlines the capacity to address other conflict zones worldwide.

• Criticism:

• The establishment of the Board of Peace for Gaza reflects a shift in diplomatic mechanisms moving beyond traditional United Nations-led processes toward the U.S.-centric multilateral initiatives. 
• By positioning itself as the central body for Gaza’s reconstruction and governance, the Board affects aid flows and reconstruction priorities. 

Why did India Receive the Invitation?

• India’s Growing Global Diplomatic Role: India is recognised as a major global actor with rising diplomatic influence. The U.S. outreach reflects Delhi’s expanding role in international affairs, especially in conflict resolution, humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. Inclusion signals acknowledgment of India’s stature in global governance and peacebuilding initiatives.
• Strategic Position in West Asia: India maintains historically balanced relations with both Israel and Palestine, making it an acceptable partner to different stakeholders. New Delhi has cultivated deep ties with Israel — including defence, technology, and strategic cooperation — while also consistently supporting Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
• Humanitarian Engagement in Gaza: India has provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Following hostilities, New Delhi sent medical aid and relief supplies via Egypt, underlining its commitment to alleviating civilian suffering. This early support enhanced India’s credibility in peace-oriented initiatives.
• Support for a Two-State Solution: India has consistently advocated a two-state solution — a sovereign Palestine co-existing peacefully with Israel — as the most viable path to long-term peace in the region. This long-standing policy aligns with UN resolutions and resonates with many international partners seeking a balanced approach.

India’s Challenges and Opportunities in Gaza Peacebuilding

• • Challenges:
    • Balancing Multilateralism: Critics argue that this new institution, with its own funding mechanisms, might divert authority and legitimacy from United Nations Security Council (UNSC) mechanisms. India consistently defends the primacy of the United Nations and calls for its reform, bypassing the UN could weaken India’s credibility on global governance norms.
    • Risk of Neutrality: India has maintained strong strategic relations with Israel while supporting the Palestinian cause, but engaging in a U.S.-centric Board could be viewed by Global South nations as alignment with Western policy, complicating India’s role as a neutral mediator in the region. 
    • Undefined Mandate: The Board’s operational mandate beyond overseeing Gaza reconstruction is yet unclear, with concerns that it may expand into broader conflict zones or evolve into a parallel global governance structure. This ambiguity limits India’s ability to commit confidently.

• Opportunities:

• • Enhancing Global Diplomatic Profile: Participation could amplify India’s visibility on conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction, strengthening its claims to leadership in international diplomacy and elevating its voice in shaping new peacebuilding architectures.
  • Strategic Engagement in West Asia Stability: Stabilising Gaza and broader regional peace could facilitate progress on initiatives like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and improve overall stability along key trade routes.
  • Strengthening Partnerships and Influence: India’s participation could deepen strategic ties with key global and regional actors — including the U.S., Arab states and European partners — who are part of the peace initiative. Constructive engagement may open avenues for cooperation in security, economic and diplomatic domains.

Way Forward

India has not yet officially responded to the invitation to join the Board of Peace for Gaza. India should prioritise alignment with UN-centred multilateral processes, while maintaining a balanced approach toward Israel and Palestine. India could emphasise humanitarian assistance, capacity-building and reconstruction support without committing to structures that may bypass established global mechanisms. A cautious, principle-based engagement—focused on diplomacy, development and regional stability—would allow India to contribute meaningfully without compromising neutrality.