Washington, D.C.: India took part in the first meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace on Gaza on Thursday, February 19, attending the discussions as an observer nation.
According to the official attendee list released by the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, India was represented by Namgya Khampa, Chargé d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
India has not yet formally joined the Board of Peace , a Trump-led initiative aimed at overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction and shaping its future governance framework.
India Maintains a Cautious Approach
Although invited to the Board, India has refrained from confirming full membership and did not participate in the initiative’s launch at Davos in January. The Ministry of External Affairs had indicated on February 12 that the proposal was still under review, signaling a careful and measured stance from New Delhi.
Participation of Nearly 50 Nations
The Washington meeting included representatives from nearly 50 countries. Of these, 27 nations, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, are already members of the Board of Peace. Other participants, such as India and the European Union, attended in observer capacity.
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Trump had first unveiled the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, stating that “everyone wants to be a part” of the body.
Board of Peace Seen as Potential Alternative to the UN
The Board of Peace is widely viewed as a potential rival to the United Nations. Trump has previously suggested that the body “might” replace the UN, while criticizing the global organisation for not meeting expectations. Initially intended to monitor the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and support Gaza’s reconstruction, the Board’s scope has since expanded significantly.
Funding Pledges Announced
During the meeting, Trump noted that participating countries have pledged a total of $7 billion toward a Gaza reconstruction fund, intended to facilitate rebuilding once Hamas disarms—a goal that remains uncertain amid ongoing tensions. He also announced that the United States would contribute $10 billion, although details about the funding source or potential congressional approval were not clarified.