Several countries, including India and Pakistan, have been formally invited by the United States to join a new international body called the “Board of Peace” for Gaza, which was proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump as part of efforts to move forward after the Israel-Hamas conflict.
What Is the ‘Board of Peace’?
The Board of Peace is a new diplomatic initiative meant to oversee the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, focusing on issues such as:
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Rebuilding and reconstruction in Gaza
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Establishing governance and stability
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Mobilising international investment and support for the region’s recovery
The plan is part of a broader 20-point roadmap announced by the Trump administration to bring lasting peace and stability to Gaza after years of conflict.
According to plans shared with invited countries, the board could eventually oversee wider peacebuilding work beyond Gaza, and representatives from around 60 countries have been approached with invitations.
Who Has Been Invited?
So far, leaders from a number of countries have confirmed that they received invitations, including:
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India
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Pakistan
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Canada
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Turkey
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Egypt
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Jordan
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Greece
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Cyprus
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Argentina, Paraguay and others
Some countries like Hungary and Vietnam have already accepted their invitations.
What It Means for India and Pakistan
Being invited to the board signals an opportunity for countries like India and Pakistan to play a role in international diplomacy around Gaza’s rebuilding and peace efforts. However, both governments are still reviewing the terms and deciding how they will respond.
For India, the invitation comes at a time when it maintains a long-standing policy of supporting peace and humanitarian efforts in the Middle East. Pakistan has also said it will remain engaged in international efforts for peace in Gaza, in line with United Nations resolutions.
The $1 Billion Fee Controversy
One of the most talked-about elements of the proposal is the $1 billion contribution requirement included in draft outlines of the board’s charter. According to reports, countries can serve a three-year term without paying, but permanent membership would be available only to those that contribute at least $1 billion to the board within the first year.
Critics say this fee makes the invite feel more like an entry cost than a diplomatic honour, and it has sparked debate over what it means for countries with different financial priorities. Some strategists have also questioned whether the board might be intended as a new U.S.-led diplomatic body that could operate alongside or even in competition with traditional global institutions like the United Nations.
Next Steps
The United States is expected to officially announce the full list of board members at an upcoming global summit, likely the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Countries invited will continue reviewing their participation, and discussions about the board’s structure, funding and goals are ongoing.