India Attends Inaugural Session of Trump's Board of Peace on Gaza as Observer Nation
India marked its presence at the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump's newly established Board of Peace on Gaza, participating as an observer country on Thursday. The significant gathering took place at the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace in Washington DC, where India was represented by Chargé d'affaires at the Indian Embassy, Namgya Khampa, as reported by PTI.
India's Observer Status and Global Participation
While India has not formally joined the Board of Peace, it attended the inaugural session in an observer capacity. This board was created by President Trump with the primary objective of overseeing the redevelopment and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip. During the meeting, Trump announced a substantial commitment of $10 billion from the United States to support the board's initiatives.
The Board of Peace comprises 27 member nations, including countries such as Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the numerous global leaders invited by President Trump to join the board, which was unveiled as part of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Absence from Earlier Ceremony and Perceived Rivalry with UN
India was notably absent from a ceremony held on January 22 in Davos, where President Trump first introduced the Board of Peace. This initiative aims to work towards achieving lasting peace in Gaza and potentially resolving other international conflicts. The Board of Peace is widely perceived as a rival to the United Nations, with Trump previously suggesting that it might replace the UN, an organization he has criticized for not fulfilling its potential.
Executive Board Composition and Funding Conditions
The executive board, which was finalized on January 17, includes a diverse mix of diplomats and financiers. Key members consist of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. This composition underscores the board's focus on both diplomatic and financial aspects of peacebuilding and reconstruction.
In terms of funding, the United States has outlined an initial reconstruction package of $1 billion specifically allocated for housing and infrastructure projects in Gaza. However, this funding is strictly contingent upon meeting specific security conditions, highlighting the board's emphasis on stability and safety in the region.
The observer role allows India to monitor developments and engage with the board's activities without full membership, reflecting a cautious yet involved approach to international peace efforts in the Middle East.
