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Washington, January 19, 2026: US President Donald Trump has formally invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join a newly established international body known as the Board of Peace. The invitation, shared publicly by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on January 18, 2026, describes the initiative as a historic effort to provide a transitional governing administration and security framework for Gaza.
The Board of Peace is the cornerstone of the second phase of the US-led peace plan for Gaza, which transitioned from a temporary ceasefire to a long-term reconstruction phase earlier this month. The board is designed to function as an international organization that will oversee the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a technocratic body of Palestinian and international experts led by civil engineer Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath.
In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, President Trump emphasized India’s global leadership and invited the country to help solidify peace in the Middle East. US officials have reached out to approximately 60 nations to participate in the initiative. While Pakistan and several Arab nations have already signaled their willingness to engage, New Delhi has not yet issued an official response.
The proposal has introduced immediate diplomatic friction. On January 17, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare statement of objection, asserting that the composition of the board’s executive committee was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its current policy. Specific concerns were raised regarding the inclusion of representatives from nations such as Turkey and Qatar in the governance structure.
The executive committee currently includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, World Bank President Ajay Banga, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Jared Kushner. Reports indicate that permanent seats on the board may be linked to financial commitments of 1 billion dollars toward Gaza’s redevelopment, while other members would serve rotating terms.
For India, the invitation arrives during a complex period in bilateral relations, as the two nations are currently navigating a significant trade dispute involving reciprocal tariffs. While Prime Minister Modi welcomed the initial phase of the ceasefire in October 2025, analysts suggest that New Delhi will carefully evaluate the board’s mandate against its long-standing commitment to a two-state solution and its preference for peace missions conducted under the direct aegis of the United Nations.
The next steps for the Board of Peace include a planned international summit where participating leaders will finalize the legal and security frameworks for Gaza’s transition, which is currently scheduled to continue through 2027.
