US President Donald Trump has invited India to be part of the 'Board of Peace' to resolve the crisis in Gaza, said US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, on Sunday. India has had historic ties with both Israel and Palestine, and had been providing humanitarian aid to Gaza through Egypt since the beginning of the conflict there.
"Honoured to convey President Donald J Trump's invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the Board of Peace, which will bring lasting peace to Gaza. The Board will support effective governance to achieve stability and prosperity," he said.
India has also called for a peaceful solution, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi even welcoming the agreement between Israel and Palestine on the release of hostages. He had also reiterated that terrorism in any form and in anywhere in the world is unacceptable.
"We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Reaffirmed that terrorism in any form or manifestation is unacceptable anywhere in the world," PM Modi had posted on X (formerly Twitter) in October last year following a telephonic conversation with Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu.
Pakistan also invited by Trump
Notably, the US president has also invited Pakistan to the Gaza's 'Board of Peace'. However, inviting Pakistan may irk Israel, as Islamabad has been hostile toward Tel Aviv. "Pakistan will remain engaged with international efforts for peace and security in Gaza, leading to a lasting solution to the Palestine issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions," said Pakistan's foreign ministry official.
Apart from Pakistan, 11 other countries have been invited by Trump. These are Argentina, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy and Morocco. However, not all nations have accepted the invitation.
What is Gaza' 'Board of Peace'?
The 'Board of Peace' was formed on January 15 as a part of Trump's 20-point proposal to end all hostilities in Gaza. According to the White House, Trump will be the chairperson of the board, which will focus on rebuilding the governance system in Gaza and bring regional stability. Other confirmed members of the board are US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and senior negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
“Now it is time to turn all of these dreams into reality,” Trump said about the board, which has been endorsed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). “At the heart of the plan is the Board of Peace, the most impressive and consequential board ever assembled, which will be established as a new International Organization and Transitional Governing Administration.”
ALSO READ - Israel objects to White House's pick of leaders for Gaza 'Board of Peace'
