What Is Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’? Structure, Members and India’s Stand Explained
REUTERS
US President Donald Trump has once again stirred global debate with the announcement of a new geopolitical initiative called the “Board of Peace”. Projected as an international body to resolve global conflicts, the proposal has drawn attention for its unusual structure, high financial threshold for permanent membership, and the diverse — sometimes conflicting — list of invited countries. India is among the nations that have received an invitation and is currently weighing its options.
What Is the Board of Peace?
According to its draft charter, the Board of Peace is envisioned as an international organisation aimed at promoting stability, restoring lawful governance, and securing long-term peace in conflict-prone regions. While initially conceptualised to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza, the charter does not restrict its scope to West Asia alone. The board is set to be chaired by Trump himself and will operate independently of existing multilateral institutions.
The executive board will include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special negotiator Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former UK prime minister Tony Blair, billionaire Marc Rowan, World Bank president Ajay Banga, and US National Security Council official Robert Gabriel.
Membership Rules and Funding
Membership is by invitation only and limited to heads of state or government. Each country’s term is capped at three years — unless it contributes $1 billion within the first year, which grants a permanent seat. The board will come into force once three countries formally agree to join. Decisions will be made by majority vote, with the chairman holding tie-breaking authority.
India’s Position
India has confirmed receiving an invitation but has not taken a final call. Officials have indicated that the proposal involves sensitive geopolitical considerations. India continues to support a two-state solution and multilateral peace efforts rooted in international law, signalling caution rather than outright rejection.
Who Is Joining — and Who Isn’t
Over 60 countries have been invited, including China, Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan and Israel. Pakistan has accepted the invitation, while China, France, Italy, Norway and Sweden have declined. Concerns have been raised over inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the Ukraine war.
Our Thoughts
The Board of Peace reflects Donald Trump’s preference for personalised, deal-driven diplomacy outside established global institutions like the UN. While its ambition is expansive, the structure raises serious questions about neutrality, accountability and long-term legitimacy. For India, the decision will hinge on whether the initiative complements — or complicates — its carefully balanced foreign policy rooted in strategic autonomy and multilateralism.
