Trump Seeks India's Support for Global Peace Initiative on Gaza

Post by : Mina Rahman

President Donald Trump has formally invited India to participate in his ambitious "Board of Peace" initiative, designed to tackle the Gaza conflict and promote enduring global tranquility. This invitation, directed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was made public by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, reflecting Washington's emphasis on India's crucial role.

In his correspondence, Trump characterized this as a "historically significant and magnificent venture" aimed at injecting stability into the Middle East while introducing a "bold new strategy" for resolving conflicts worldwide. He highlighted that the plan is rooted in the recent United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, which advocated for peace within the Gaza Strip.

Though the Modi government has yet to officially comment, the proposal arrives against a backdrop of strained Indo-US relations, particularly in light of stalled trade agreements and elevated tariffs on Indian goods entering the United States.

Ambassador Gor, in a social media update, expressed pride in delivering the invitation, stating that the Board would serve as a means to "establish lasting peace in Gaza" and support "effective governance for sustained stability and prosperity."

The "Board of Peace" is part of a broader ceasefire agreement instituted in October 2025, signed between Israel and Hamas, and was officially endorsed by the UN Security Council in November 2025. The initiative aims to serve as a new international body dedicated initially to Gaza's recovery and peace, with aspirations to extend its reach to other global issues.

Trump intends to chair the board indefinitely, having invited about 60 countries to participate, including Pakistan, which has signaled its readiness to join peace efforts regarding Gaza. Countries can enjoy three-year terms, with a pathway to permanent membership available for those donating $1 billion to support the board's mission. The United States insists that the majority of the funds raised will be dedicated to rebuilding Gaza, keeping administrative costs low.

Notable figures appointed to the executive board include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and World Bank President Ajay Banga.

However, this initiative has sparked international debate. Some European leaders and diplomats have expressed apprehensions that extending the board's influence beyond Gaza might weaken the United Nations' authority. Critics caution that this could lead to the establishment of a "Trump United Nations" that circumvents the UN’s established frameworks and regulations.

A senior UN official, speaking without directly addressing the board, reaffirmed the UN's unique moral and legal standing in uniting nations. Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, underscored the UN's fundamental role in averting global setbacks in peace initiatives, while respecting each nation's right to choose its involvement.

Countries like China and Russia, along with others holding veto power within the UN Security Council, are anticipated to oppose any challenges to the existing international order, while smaller nations may be reluctant to support changes that could lessen their influence in global discussions.

As President Trump advances this unprecedented peace organization, the world looks on eagerly to gauge India's reaction and the responses of other nations as they are called to take part in fostering a peaceful future for Gaza and beyond.