India on Thursday attended the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ as an observer, even though it has not formally joined the body.
The meeting was held in Washington and marked the launch of the Board, which was initially conceived to oversee the Gaza ceasefire and support reconstruction efforts following the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
India was represented by Chargé d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, Namgya Khampa, according to reports citing the list of attendees.
US Commits $10 Billion to the Initiative
At the inaugural session, Trump announced that the United States would commit $10 billion to the Board of Peace. The grouping currently includes 27 countries, among them Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Notably, apart from the United States, no other member of the G7 grouping has joined the Board so far.
Why India Has Not Joined the Board of Peace
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among several global leaders invited to join the initiative. India was reportedly one of around 60 countries that received invitations in January.
However, India did not participate in the January 22 ceremony in Davos where Trump formally unveiled the Board. Officials familiar with the matter indicated that New Delhi has not yet taken a final decision on membership.
Sources suggest India is closely watching the positions of key international partners, including France and Russia, before making a determination. Concerns have also reportedly been raised about whether the Board of Peace could undermine the role of the United Nations, particularly after Trump suggested the body might one day replace the UN.
Expanded Mandate Raises Global Questions
Although the Board was initially designed to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, its scope has since broadened to include efforts to resolve various international conflicts. This expanded mandate has sparked debate about its long-term objectives and structure.
Trump has described the Board as a mechanism to address global conflicts more effectively, while critics have questioned whether it could evolve into a parallel global institution.
India’s Position on West Bank Developments
Separately, India joined over 100 countries and global organisations in condemning what they described as Israel’s unilateral measures aimed at expanding its presence in the West Bank.
A statement issued by the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN on behalf of the signatories strongly opposed annexation and called for adherence to international law.
Decision Pending
For now, India’s participation remains limited to observer status. The government is yet to formally announce whether it will join the Board of Peace as a full member.
