The invitation places New Delhi in a delicate diplomatic moment. India has so far chosen silence, neither accepting nor rejecting the offer publicly. That restraint reflects India’s careful balancing act in West Asia, where its relationships with Israel, Arab states, and the Palestinian leadership intersect with domestic political sensitivities and long-standing foreign policy principles.
What is the Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace is envisioned as a transitional international authority that would temporarily guide Gaza away from the control of Hamas. Under the proposed structure, a Palestinian technocratic committee would manage day-to-day civilian administration, while the board would supervise reconstruction funds, investment flows, and institutional reforms until the Palestinian Authority completes an internal overhaul.Trump, who would chair the board for life under the draft charter, has described it as an unprecedented experiment in conflict resolution — one that blends political oversight with economic reconstruction. The body is expected to operate initially for three years, after which members could opt for permanent status by contributing $1 billion toward its long-term funding. Participation during the initial phase, however, does not require any financial commitment.
Who’s at the Table - and Who Isn’t
Invitations have reportedly been sent to a diverse group of countries, including the United Kingdom, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Hungary, Argentina, and Pakistan.Notably absent from the early consultations is Israel, which has voiced unease over the board’s formation and the lack of coordination with Israeli authorities — a reaction that underscores how politically sensitive the initiative remains.
The United States insists the board’s mandate will be practical rather than ideological: restoring essential services, managing redevelopment, and supporting the deployment of an international stabilisation mechanism to prevent a security vacuum.
India’s Strategic Dilemma
For India, the invitation is both an opportunity and a test. New Delhi has consistently backed a two-state solution, avoided military entanglement in Gaza, and focused instead on humanitarian assistance. Accepting a seat on the board would give India a voice in shaping post-war governance without committing troops or security assets — a limitation US officials have reportedly acknowledged.At the same time, participation could expose India to political risks if the initiative falters or becomes entangled in regional rivalries. India’s foreign policy establishment is acutely aware that Gaza is not just a reconstruction challenge, but a deeply emotive issue across the Global South and the Islamic world.
A Star-Studded, Controversial Line-Up
The proposed board is expected to include high-profile figures such as former UK prime minister Tony Blair, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ajay Banga, the current head of the World Bank. Their involvement signals an emphasis on economic restructuring alongside political transition.The plan has also received backing from the United Nations Security Council, lending it a degree of international legitimacy — though endorsement does not guarantee smooth implementation on the ground.
What Comes Next
Whether India steps into this role remains an open question. A decision to join would elevate India’s profile as a global stakeholder in conflict resolution, aligning with its aspirations for greater influence in international governance. A decision to stay out would preserve strategic ambiguity and avoid the risks of being drawn into one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.For now, New Delhi’s silence speaks volumes. As the Board of Peace for Gaza takes shape, India’s eventual response — whenever it comes — will signal not just a position on Gaza, but a broader statement about how India sees its role in a rapidly fragmenting global order.