New Delhi: India has adopted a cautious approach to the invitation to join the proposed US peace board for the Gaza Strip. The government has confirmed that a formal invitation has been received from the United States and the proposal is currently under review. However, India has not yet clarified whether it will participate in the first meeting proposed on February 19 or not.
During the press conference held in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said that official information has been received from Washington regarding participation in the Peace Board. But India has said to consider all aspects before taking a final decision on this.
India received formal invitation
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India has received a formal invitation from the US to join the peace board. However, he also clarified that the government has not taken any final decision yet.
He said, "Regarding the Peace Board, we have received an invitation from the US government to join the Peace Board. We are currently considering and reviewing this proposal," Jaiswal said.
India’s stance on peace and stability
The spokesperson reiterated India’s commitment to peace and dialogue in West Asia. He said that India has always supported efforts that move towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
He said, "As you are aware, India has consistently supported efforts to promote peace, stability and dialogue in West Asia. Our Prime Minister has also welcomed all such initiatives that pave the way for long-term and lasting peace in the entire region, including Gaza."
Formation under UN resolution
The Gaza Peace Board has been formed under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803. According to this resolution, the Board is established as an interim authority to support governance, reconstruction and stability in Gaza.
The initiative is also linked to the plan for an international stabilization force, which aims to maintain the ceasefire and support demilitarization as well as the reconstruction process.
Composition of Peace Board
The board is chaired by the United States. Its founding executive board includes senior names like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Jared Kushner and Mark Rowan. The Gaza Executive Board is assisting in governance related tasks at the grassroots level.
Which countries showed consent
Many countries have accepted the invitation to join or participate in this initiative. Several major Arab and Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, see the initiative as a mechanism to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and aid reconstruction.
Apart from this, Morocco, Bahrain and Israel have also agreed to participate in it.
According to reports, invitations have been sent to about 60 countries, out of which more than 27 countries have agreed to participate. Member countries also include countries like Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Paraguay, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
vigilance of western countries
But, many traditional Western democracies have distanced themselves from this initiative. Major powers like France, Germany, United Kingdom and Spain have either refused to participate in it, postponed decisions, or adopted a cautious attitude.
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