India Reviews U.S. Invitation to Join Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace”

India is carefully examining an invitation from the United States to join a newly proposed international body aimed at stabilising the Gaza Strip. The initiative, called the “Board of Peace,” has been put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of a broader framework to oversee governance, reconstruction, and long-term stability in Gaza following prolonged conflict in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that New Delhi has received formal communication from Washington and is reviewing the proposal. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is assessing the details of the plan before making any commitment. While the first meeting of the proposed board is scheduled for February 19, 2026, India has neither accepted nor declined participation, signalling a cautious and measured approach.

Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that New Delhi has received a formal communication from Washington. (Reuters Photo) | India Today

Understanding the “Board of Peace”

The Board of Peace is envisioned as a transitional international mechanism that would help coordinate administrative oversight, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. According to reports, the proposal aligns with discussions within the United Nations Security Council and references Resolution 2803, which supports international stabilisation frameworks for the conflict-affected territory.

The initiative reportedly includes a mix of political leaders, diplomats, and economic stakeholders. Among those associated with the proposal are U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. The composition of the board indicates a strong American leadership role, which has drawn both support and scrutiny from the international community.

Supporters argue that the initiative could accelerate reconstruction and prevent a governance vacuum in Gaza. Critics, however, question whether the mechanism may overlap with or dilute the authority of established UN agencies already active in the region.

India’s Strategic Calculations

India’s response is shaped by its long-standing diplomatic principles. For decades, New Delhi has advocated a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict while maintaining strong relations with Israel and deep engagement with Arab nations. This balanced approach has allowed India to play a constructive role in West Asia without aligning exclusively with any one bloc.

Joining the Board of Peace would signal India’s willingness to contribute to post-conflict reconstruction and global peacebuilding efforts. However, participation in a U.S.-led structure also carries geopolitical implications. India must weigh its strategic autonomy, its commitment to multilateralism, and its ties with countries across the Middle East.

Analysts suggest that New Delhi is evaluating the legal framework, the scope of authority granted to the board, and the political sensitivities surrounding Gaza’s future governance. India’s cautious review reflects its broader foreign policy approach—careful deliberation before entering new international arrangements that may have long-term diplomatic consequences.

Global Reactions to the Proposal

The international response to the Board of Peace has been mixed. Several countries in the Arab and Muslim world have reportedly expressed willingness to participate, viewing the mechanism as an opportunity to shape Gaza’s reconstruction. Others, particularly in Europe, are said to be taking a more cautious stance, seeking clarity on the board’s mandate and its relationship with existing UN structures.

Major global powers are also assessing the initiative’s strategic implications. Some see it as an attempt to create a more agile framework for crisis governance, while others worry about fragmentation of established multilateral processes.

What Lies Ahead

As the proposed first meeting approaches, India’s decision remains pending. The outcome will likely reflect New Delhi’s broader priorities in West Asia, its emphasis on international law, and its desire to maintain credibility as a balanced and responsible global actor.

Whether India ultimately joins the Board of Peace or opts to remain outside it, the deliberation itself highlights the complexity of modern diplomacy. In a world shaped by shifting alliances and emerging governance models, New Delhi’s careful consideration underscores its commitment to strategic autonomy and principled engagement.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s careful review of the U.S. proposal under President Donald Trump to form a “Board of Peace” for Gaza reflects the maturity and balance of its foreign policy. The proposed body, reportedly backed by figures such as Marco Rubio, Tony Blair, and Ajay Banga, aims to oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza after prolonged conflict. While the initiative claims alignment with international discussions, including those at the United Nations Security Council, it is clearly shaped by strong American leadership. India’s decision to neither accept nor reject the offer immediately signals that it will not rush into arrangements that may alter regional equations or dilute established multilateral mechanisms.

India’s long-standing support for a balanced approach in West Asia maintaining ties with Israel while advocating a two-state solution and engaging deeply with Arab nations makes this decision strategically sensitive. Participation could enhance India’s global role in post-conflict reconstruction, yet it must also safeguard its strategic autonomy and ensure that any new structure does not sideline existing UN frameworks or regional stakeholders. The deliberation demonstrates that India prioritizes legal clarity, diplomatic balance, and long-term geopolitical stability over symbolic alignment, especially in matters as complex and sensitive as Gaza’s future governance.

(Sources: India Today, Business Today, Moneycontrol)