In a move that has sparked international discussion, U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the "Board of Peace," an international body aimed at fostering lasting peace in Gaza. The invitation, conveyed in a letter shared by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, positions India as a key partner in resolving the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trump's letter to Modi outlines the "Board of Peace" as a crucial component of his broader plan to end the Gaza conflict, initially announced on September 29, 2025. The plan includes making Gaza a de-radicalized, terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors. Trump emphasized the importance of transforming these aspirations into reality through the "Board of Peace," which he envisions as a new international organization and transitional governing administration.
The invitation to India comes as the U.S. administration formalizes the "Board of Peace" structure, with the White House recently unveiling the list of appointees to oversee the second phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan. This phase focuses on strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions towards peace and development. The board members include prominent figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Interestingly, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also received an invitation to join the Gaza "Board of Peace". Pakistan's Foreign Office has expressed its support for the Gaza peace plan, hoping that the next phase will stabilize the region, increase humanitarian aid, and lead to an independent Palestinian state. However, Pakistan does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and has been critical of Israeli military operations in Gaza.
This invitation arrives amidst a complex backdrop of India-U.S. trade relations. Trade and investment ties are a key aspect of US-India relations. The U.S. goods and services trade with India totaled an estimated $212.3 billion in 2024, an increase of 8.3 percent from 2023. Despite this, some trade issues persist, including U.S. concerns about India's agricultural subsidies and sanitary measures. The U.S. has imposed a tariff of 50 percent on most Indian goods. Both countries seek to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
The inclusion of both India and Pakistan in the "Board of Peace" could present both opportunities and challenges. While it signifies a potential for collaboration in achieving regional stability, historical tensions and differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may require careful diplomacy. The U.S. aims to hold the first Board of Peace meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday.
