India reviewing US invite to join Trump's Gaza Board of Peace, Govt confirms

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that New Delhi has received a formal communication from Washington regarding participation in the board but is yet to take a position.

In Short

• India has received a formal invite from the US to join the Board of Peace
• MEA spokesperson confirmed ongoing review of the invitation
• Board formed under UNSC Resolution 2803 to aid Gaza governance

India is reviewing the invitation from the United States to join Donald Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza Strip, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. He did not specify whether India would attend the first proposed meeting of the board, scheduled for 19 February.

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that New Delhi has received a formal communication from Washington regarding participation in the board but is yet to take a position.

"As far as the Board of Peace is concerned, we have received an invitation from the US government to join the Board of Peace. We are currently considering this proposal and reviewing it," Jaiswal said.

INDIA’S CAUTIOUS RESPONSE

Jaiswal reiterated India’s longstanding support for peace and dialogue in the region but stopped short of committing to the US-led initiative.

"As you are aware, India has consistently supported efforts that promote peace, stability, and dialogue in West Asia. Our Prime Minister has also welcomed all such initiatives that pave the way for long-term and lasting peace in the entire region, including Gaza," he said.

The Board of Peace was formed under the umbrella of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, which welcomed its establishment as a transitional authority to support governance, reconstruction and stability in Gaza. It is also linked to plans for an International Stabilisation Force, a multinational peacekeeping entity authorised to help maintain the ceasefire and support demilitarisation and reconstruction efforts.

WHO IS ON TRUMP’S BOARD OF PEACE

The board’s structure places the United States as its chairman, with a founding Executive Board composed of senior figures that includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair, World Bank president Ajay Banga, Jared Kushner and Marc Rowan, among others. A Gaza Executive Board supports governance efforts on the ground.

Several countries have accepted invitations to join or participate in the Board of Peace. Leading Arab and Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, have signalled acceptance, viewing the initiative as a mechanism to consolidate the Gaza truce and support reconstruction. Morocco, Bahrain and Israel have also agreed to join.

According to reports, the Board has extended invitations to around 60 countries, and more than 27 nations are said to have agreed to participate. Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Uzbekistan and Vietnam are among those listed as members.

However, several traditional Western democracies have opted not to take part. Major Western powers such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain have either declined, delayed a decision, or adopted a cautious approach, reflecting scepticism.

- Ends
With inputs from agencies