ISLAMABAD: India finds itself in a state of strategic confusion regardingparticipation in US President Donald Trump’s newly established Board ofPeace for Gaza, a body aimed at overseeing post-conflict reconstruction andstability in the region. With arch-rival Pakistan having accepted theinvitation and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attending the signingceremony, New Delhi’s hesitation highlights deeper diplomatic anxieties.Analysts point to fears that the board, initially focused on Gaza, couldexpand its scope under Trump’s leadership to include other global disputes,potentially bringing the long-standing Kashmir issue into internationalmediation. This development tests India’s traditional stance on bilateralresolution of disputes while balancing relations with the United States.
The Board of Peace, formally ratified in a ceremony in Davos withrepresentatives from 19 countries, represents Phase II of Trump’scomprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It is chaired indefinitely byTrump himself and incorporates free market principles to reduce Gaza’sreliance on foreign aid while mobilizing resources for rebuilding.Invitations extended to various nations, including a $1 billioncontribution for permanent seats in some cases, have drawn mixed responsesglobally. Several Muslim-majority countries joined promptly, while otherslike France rejected it over concerns it might undermine United Nationsmechanisms. India’s absence from the launch event underscores its cautiousapproach amid these dynamics.
Pakistan’s swift acceptance has amplified India’s discomfort, as noted inreports from international media. Islamabad’s participation is seen as apragmatic move to engage with the US administration and potentially gainleverage in regional affairs. In contrast, India’s deliberations arecomplicated by its strong ties with Israel, a key partner in defense andtechnology, alongside its historical support for Palestinian rights. Anydecision to join could be perceived as aligning too closely with a USinitiative that bypasses traditional multilateral forums, while decliningrisks straining ties with Washington at a time when trade negotiationsremain critical.
Former Indian diplomat Ranjit Rai has emphasized the complexities involved,stating that the board’s mandate might extend beyond Gaza. He suggestedthat Trump, who has repeatedly offered mediation on Kashmir in the past,could leverage the platform to revisit the issue in future discussions.This possibility has raised alarms in New Delhi, where successivegovernments have insisted that Kashmir is an internal matter to be resolvedbilaterally with Pakistan. Rai described India’s position as a growingdilemma, where acceptance carries risks of internationalizing the dispute,and rejection might irritate Trump, potentially impacting ongoing economicdialogues.
Media outlets such as The Hindu have highlighted how Trump’s paststatements on Kashmir add layers to the current impasse. The US presidenthas previously expressed willingness to mediate, a proposal consistentlyrebuffed by India. With Pakistan now on the board, any future broadening ofscope could place additional pressure on India. Reports indicate thatnon-participation might signal reluctance to endorse an initiativeperceived as favoring certain alignments, while joining could invitedomestic criticism for compromising on core foreign policy principles.
The invitation also intersects with broader geopolitical considerations forIndia. Trump’s administration has prioritized deal-making in internationalrelations, and trade ties between the US and India remain substantial.Analysts warn that declining the invitation could sour personal rapportwith Trump, who values direct engagement, thereby affecting tariffdiscussions or strategic partnerships. Conversely, participation mightnecessitate financial commitments and alignment with a body whoselegitimacy is questioned by some nations fearing it supplants UN authority.
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India’s balancing act reflects its long-held policy of strategic autonomyin foreign affairs. It maintains robust defense cooperation with Israelwhile advocating for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.The Gaza Board of Peace, with its technocratic elements and oversight role,presents a novel challenge. Observers note that the absence of Palestineitself from the board structure further constrains India’s options, asjoining could appear to sideline Palestinian representation.
As deliberations continue in New Delhi, the situation underscores shiftingglobal power dynamics under Trump’s second term. The board’s potentialevolution into a wider peace mechanism amplifies stakes for South Asianrivals. For India, the decision transcends Gaza alone, touching onsovereignty, alliances, and future US engagement. Whether it opts forcautious observation or eventual involvement will likely shape bilateralties and regional stability in the months ahead.
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-absent-trump-rolls-out-board-of-peace-19-countries-israel-palestine-hamas/article70539432.ece
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