India Attends Inaugural Meeting of Trump's Gaza Peace Board as Observer

India's Observer Status at Peace Board Meeting

India attended the inaugural meeting of former U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace on Gaza as an observer nation on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The meeting took place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington D.C., with Namgya Khampa, Chargé d'affaires at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C., representing New Delhi.

Despite an invitation extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the board, India has not formally become a member. The Ministry of External Affairs had previously indicated that the proposal was under consideration.

Purpose and Scope of the Board

The Board of Peace was established by Donald Trump with the stated aim of facilitating the redevelopment of the Gaza Strip and working towards lasting peace in the region. This initiative is part of a broader 20-point peace plan for Gaza. During the inaugural session, Mr. Trump announced that the United States would commit $10 billion to the Board. Additionally, nine other nations pledged a combined $7 billion for Gaza relief and reconstruction efforts. These nations include:

• Kazakhstan
• Azerbaijan
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Morocco
• Bahrain
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Uzbekistan
• Kuwait

International Participation and Context

The inaugural meeting saw representatives from more than 40 countries in attendance, with 27 nations formally joining the Board of Peace as members. Notable member countries include Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present at the meeting.

The Board of Peace has been perceived by some as a rival to the United Nations, with Mr. Trump having previously suggested it 'might' replace the UN, arguing that the global body had not lived up to its potential. Several close U.S. allies reportedly hesitated or declined to participate as full members. While Israel is a member, Palestinian representatives are not part of the grouping.

India's Stance on the Peace Plan

Prior to India's attendance at the inaugural meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had welcomed Mr. Trump's comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. He stated that the plan provides 'a viable pathway to long term and sustainable peace, security and development' for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as well as the broader West Asian region. Mr. Trump also claimed that Prime Minister Modi was 'excited' about the peace plan.