Trump Invites India to Join Proposed Gaza ‘Board of Peace’
India receives an invitation to join the new Gaza peace initiative
U.S. President Donald Trump has invited India to join a proposed international “Board of Peace”, an initiative he says is aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza and addressing future global disputes. The invitation was conveyed in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House said on Sunday.
The letter was made public through a post on X by Washington’s ambassador to New Delhi, Sergio Gor.
Trump outlines vision for Middle East peace
In his message, Trump described the proposed board as a historic effort to establish lasting peace in the Middle East. He referred to a plan announced on September 29 to bring the Gaza conflict to an end, stating that the Board of Peace would form the core of that proposal.
The board, Trump wrote, would be set up as a new international organisation and transitional governing administration, beginning its work with Gaza before expanding to other conflicts. Invitations have been extended to around 60 countries, according to U.S. officials.
Structure, leadership, and funding model
Draft documents seen by Reuters indicate that Trump would chair the Board of Peace for life. Member countries would ordinarily serve three-year terms, but could secure permanent membership by contributing $1 billion each to fund the board’s activities.
The White House said the funding provision was intended to reward countries demonstrating a strong commitment to peace, security, and long-term stability.
Mixed international response
Several leaders have responded cautiously. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her country was ready to contribute, while Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had agreed to the idea in principle, pending further discussions.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban publicly welcomed the invitation, calling it an honour.
Concerns over the UN role
The proposal has raised concerns among diplomats, particularly in Europe, who fear it could undermine the authority of the United Nations. Although the UN Security Council authorised a limited peace mandate for Gaza in November, that mandate runs only until 2027 and focuses exclusively on the current conflict.
Russia and China abstained from that vote, arguing the resolution did not clearly define the UN’s future role in Gaza.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said member states were free to associate in different groupings, while stressing that the United Nations would continue its mandated work.
Next steps and wider implications
The White House has named several individuals expected to sit on the board, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Jared Kushner. Further appointments are expected in the coming weeks.
India has not yet responded publicly to the invitation.
