India has been invited to join the United States‑led “Board of Peace” — a new international body intended to help oversee **Gaza’s post‑war reconstruction and broader peace efforts — but New Delhi is yet to decide on its participation and is widely expected to skip the inaugural meeting scheduled for February 19, 2026.

The Board of Peace was launched by U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026 with the stated goal of promoting peacekeeping and reconstruction after conflict, beginning with Gaza. Trump has framed the initiative as a bold new approach to conflict resolution and has invited roughly 60 countries to take part.

Despite the invitation, India’s government has not formally committed to joining and is reportedly still weighing its options. Indian officials are considering how participation might align with long‑standing foreign policy principles, including support for a two‑state solution in the Israel‑Palestine conflict and adherence to established multilateral frameworks like the United Nations. Several reports indicate India may opt out of the Board’s first meeting as it continues consultations with regional partners and assessments of the initiative’s implications.

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Critics within India — including some left‑wing political parties — have urged the government not to accept the invitation, arguing that the Board circumvents the United Nations and could undermine India’s commitments to international law and the Palestinian cause. These parties have framed participation as potentially symbolic rather than substantive and a “betrayal” of longstanding diplomatic positions.

Supporters of a cautious approach note that joining could have both diplomatic and strategic benefits, such as reinforcing ties with the U.S. and ensuring Indian influence in post‑conflict reconstruction planning. However, concerns remain about the Board’s structure — especially its perceived centralisation around U.S. leadership and the absence of robust multilateral oversight — which has prompted hesitation among other major democracies as well.

India’s eventual decision — whether to participate, attend future meetings, or remain on the sidelines — will be closely watched in diplomatic circles, as it reflects broader questions about institutional legitimacy, global governance, and alignment with multilateral peace processes.

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