Davos, Switzerland: Amid ongoing wars and rising geopolitical tensions across the globe, US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new diplomatic initiative called the “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump claims that this new international platform will play a key role in establishing lasting peace in Gaza and helping resolve conflicts in other troubled regions of the world.
However, the initiative has received mixed reactions on the global stage. While several countries have welcomed the move, many major powers, including India, have chosen to stay cautious and are yet to join the platform.
What is the ‘Board of Peace’?
According to the Trump administration, the Board of Peace is a new international body aimed at restoring peace in conflict-hit regions, promoting stable governance under the rule of law, and ensuring long-term global stability.
The announcement comes during the second phase of the ceasefire following the Israel–Hamas war in Gaza. Trump has said that the board will not be limited to the Middle East and will work to address conflicts in other parts of the world as well.
Why Is India’s Role Under Scrutiny?
Following the announcement, attention has turned to India’s possible role in the initiative. President Trump had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the board, but India did not participate in the Davos launch event. According to government sources, New Delhi has not yet taken a final decision and is carefully evaluating the proposal due to its diplomatic sensitivity.
Why Is India Being Cautious?
India’s cautious approach is linked to its long-standing foreign policy position on the Israel–Palestine issue. India has consistently supported the two-state solution, advocating peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine within internationally recognized borders.
Given this stance, the structure and objectives of the Board of Peace are being closely examined by Indian policymakers to ensure they align with India’s diplomatic principles.
Could This Weaken the United Nations?
A major question being raised globally is whether the Board of Peace could undermine the role of the United Nations. Several diplomats and experts fear that this new platform could evolve into a parallel power structure challenging the UN’s authority.
Trump has stated that the board may work in coordination with the UN, but no clear framework has yet been presented on how the two institutions would cooperate.
Countries Supporting the Initiative
The countries that have publicly supported Trump’s Board of Peace include:
Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.
These nations have described the move as a fresh global effort toward conflict resolution.
Countries Yet to Join
Several influential nations remain undecided or have stayed away so far, including:
India, France, the United Kingdom, China, Germany, Italy, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Slovenia and Paraguay.
Experts believe this initiative could lead to a new geopolitical alignment and may reshape global power dynamics in the coming months.