Washington DC – India has officially marked its presence in the inaugural session of the Board of Peace, a high-profile strategic platform spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump. Represented by Namgya Khampa, the Chargé d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Washington, New Delhi participated in the capacity of an observer, a move seen as a calibrated effort to engage with new global security frameworks without compromising its independent foreign policy.
The meeting, hosted at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, brought together a diverse group of participating nations including Argentina, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan.
The $10 Billion Blueprint for Gaza
The Board of Peace is the cornerstone of a 20-point U.S. peace plan aimed at the stabilization and total reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Backed by a $10 billion commitment from Washington, the initiative focuses on:
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Demilitarization: Transforming Gaza into a stable, weapon-free zone.
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Economic Redevelopment: Mobilizing international resources for large-scale infrastructure and recovery projects.
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Stabilization Mechanism: Implementing a UN Security Council-authorized framework to manage Gaza’s transition following the recent fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
By opting for an observer role rather than full membership, India is signaling its interest in regional stability while adhering to its doctrine of strategic autonomy. Official sources indicate that New Delhi’s participation is non-binding and ensures India has a seat at the table as new international decision-making forums emerge.
President Trump, who chairs the board, has suggested that while the current focus remains on the Middle East, the body’s mandate could eventually expand to address other global flashpoints. For India, continued engagement will likely depend on whether the platform remains a consultative forum rather than a formal military or political alliance.
A New International Oversight Mechanism
Unlike traditional diplomatic bodies, the Board of Peace is designed to exercise direct oversight over redevelopment funding and governance in Gaza. While the White House promotes it as a more efficient alternative to existing international structures, it remains to be seen how this body will interface with long-standing UN agencies already operating in the region.
