India attends Donald Trump's inaugural Gaza Peace Board meeting as observer
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India attended the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza as an observer country, without joining the initiative. The meeting took place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., where Trump unveiled a $10 billion funding pledge to rebuild the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by two years of conflict between Hamas and Israel. Represented by Namgya Khampa, India’s Chargé d’affaires at the embassy, India’s participation was notable but did not include joining the board itself.
The Board of Peace, announced under the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, includes 27 member countries such as Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. While Trump committed $10 billion to the initiative, countries seeking permanent membership must pay $1 billion annually and will be subject to US veto power over decisions made by the board. Notably, India was among the countries not present at the January 22 ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, where Trump officially launched the initiative.
The Board of Peace is seen as a potential rival to the United Nations, with Trump previously stating that it “might” replace the UN due to its perceived inefficiencies. The board’s executive members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. While the initial $1 billion reconstruction package focuses on housing and infrastructure, funding is tied to security conditions, emphasizing a focus on stability over purely humanitarian efforts.
This development underscores Trump’s push to establish a new framework for global conflict resolution, particularly in Gaza, where traditional international efforts have struggled to achieve lasting peace. India’s cautious approach as an observer highlights the complexities of aligning with such initiatives while maintaining its own foreign policy priorities. The Board of Peace’s structure and goals raise questions about its potential impact on existing international organizations and its ability to deliver tangible progress for Gaza’s residents.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026