New Delhi: India took part in the first meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace on Gaza on Thursday, attending in the capacity of an observer nation rather than as a full member of the initiative.
The gathering, convened at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington DC, focused on efforts to redevelop the Gaza Strip following extensive destruction from nearly two years of conflict between Hamas and Israel. India’s representation came through Namgya Khampa, Chargé d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in the US capital, according to reports from PTI.
President Trump announced a US commitment of $10 billion to the Board of Peace, an entity he established to oversee reconstruction in Gaza under the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He holds veto authority over the board and can continue leading it even after his presidency ends. Nations interested in permanent membership, beyond the standard two-year term, must contribute $1 billion.
The board currently includes 27 member countries, among them Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Several of these—such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait—have pledged a combined $7 billion toward Gaza relief efforts.
Trump had extended invitations to numerous world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to join the board. India, however, opted not to participate in an earlier unveiling ceremony held on January 22 in Davos.
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The Board of Peace is viewed by some as a potential alternative to the United Nations, with Trump previously stating that it “might” supplant the UN, which he has criticized for failing to meet its potential. The executive board, formalized on January 17, features a blend of diplomats and financial figures, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
While the US has proposed an initial $1 billion package for housing and infrastructure in Gaza, disbursements remain conditional on meeting specific security requirements.
India’s decision to attend as an observer reflects a measured engagement with the US-led effort, without committing to full membership at this stage. The move follows earlier indications from New Delhi that it was reviewing the invitation to join.
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