Switzerland – US President Donald Trump launched his ambitious Trump Board of Peace initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, notably without Indian participation. The newly formed body, conceived primarily for promoting peace in Gaza, has sparked international concerns about potentially undermining the United Nations’ role in global conflict resolution.
India Declines Participation in Trump Board of Peace
Despite receiving an invitation last week along with approximately 60 other countries, India maintained a conspicuous absence from the Trump Board of Peace signing ceremony. People familiar with the matter confirmed that no Indian officials attended the event at the Swiss mountain resort, and the Indian government has yet to make a final decision regarding membership in this controversial initiative.
The Trump Board of Peace ceremony saw participation from 19 countries, with 11 heads of state or government signing the founding documents. However, significantly, no permanent member of the UN Security Council besides the United States has joined the board, nor has any G7 member other than the US expressed support for the initiative.
Sweeping Mandate Raises International Concerns
The official charter of the Trump Board of Peace contains no specific mention of Gaza, instead outlining an expansive mandate that could potentially challenge existing international frameworks. The document states the board will promote stability and secure enduring peace in conflict-affected areas, with Trump himself suggesting the body’s role could extend far beyond Gaza.
“I think we can spread out to other things as we succeed with Gaza,” Trump declared at the ceremony. “We can do numerous other things. Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do.”
Pakistan Joins Trump Board of Peace Despite India’s Absence
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was among the leaders who signed documents establishing the Trump Board of Peace. The ceremony was also attended by Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, whom Sharif pointed out to Trump during the proceedings.
Trump used the occasion to again claim credit for allegedly ending eight wars in nine months, including the conflict between India and Pakistan in May. The US President stated that Sharif had praised him for supposedly saving millions of lives through his intervention.
India Rejects Trump’s Conflict Resolution Claims
India has categorically rejected Trump’s assertions about ending the India-Pakistan conflict. According to Indian officials, hostilities concluded after four days of fighting when military officials from both nations reached an understanding independently, without external mediation.
The Trump Board of Peace arrangement raised particular concerns in some quarters due to Pakistan’s membership, especially given the recent bilateral tensions and India’s position on the May conflict’s resolution.
Countries Participating in Trump Board of Peace
The signing ceremony saw participation from diverse nations across different regions. Heads of state or government from Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, and Uzbekistan signed the founding documents.
Senior officials from eight additional countries—Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, and Mongolia—also participated in establishing the Trump Board of Peace. The geographical diversity of participants reflects the initiative’s global ambitions, though the absence of major powers remains notable.
UN Undermining Concerns Shape India’s Position
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that India closely monitored positions taken by key partners, including France and Russia, before making its decision. Concerns about the Trump Board of Peace potentially undermining the United Nations and Trump remaining as permanent chairman influenced India’s cautious approach.
Trump himself acknowledged the board could work alongside the UN but emphasized that the world body played no role in the eight wars he claimed to have “stopped,” including the India-Pakistan conflict.
Gaza Development Plans and Second Phase Challenges
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and member of both the executive board and Gaza executive board of the Trump Board of Peace, outlined a development plan for Gaza. However, his presentation made no mention of establishing a pathway toward a Palestinian state.
The Gaza executive board forms part of the second phase of a US-brokered agreement between Israel and Hamas. The first phase—a ceasefire finalized last October—has experienced significant violence, raising questions about the viability of subsequent phases.
The second phase faces substantial challenges, including disarming Hamas and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. These complex issues will test the Trump Board of Peace’s effectiveness in its primary stated objective.
India’s Alternative Diplomatic Engagement
While absent from the Trump Board of Peace, India will have opportunities to engage with the Gaza peace process through alternative channels. New Delhi is scheduled to host a meeting of foreign ministers from Arab League member states during January 30-31.
Neena Malhotra, secretary (South) in India’s external affairs ministry, met with envoys of Arab League states on Thursday to review preparations for this significant gathering. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Israel in February, providing further opportunities for regional consultations on Middle Eastern stability and peace processes independent of the Trump Board of Peace framework.
