Trump Inflates India-Pak Ceasefire Role With '200% Tariffs, 11 Jets' Claim

Trump signing the Board of Peace charter, Pak's Sharif is one of the onlookers

US President Donald Trump has once again asserted his role in brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan during their 2025 military standoff. Speaking at his Board of Peace event, he claimed to have threatened 200 per cent tariffs on both nations to force an end to hostilities.

India has firmly rejected these assertions, insisting that the agreement stemmed solely from direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the Indian and Pakistani militaries.

Trump escalated his narrative by stating that "11 jets were shot down" during the conflict, describing them as "very expensive jets." This marks an inflation from his prior claim of seven jets lost.

The event turned awkward for Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who attended alongside other leaders. Trump singled him out, urging him to stand while recounting the supposed mediation.

"You made that statement," Trump told Sharif, referencing an alleged Pakistani claim that the truce saved "25 million lives." This figure exceeds Trump's earlier estimate of 10 million lives preserved.

Trump detailed his approach: "I got on the phone with both of them... I said, listen, I'm not doing trade deals with you two guys if you don't settle this up." He credited economic pressure over military might for the resolution.

The backdrop to the standoff was Operation Sindoor, launched by India on 7 May 2025. This targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the 22 April Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives.

India has consistently denied any third-party involvement, including from the US, and refuted reports of aircraft losses. New Delhi emphasises bilateral military channels as the path to de-escalation.

Trump's claims form part of a broader pattern. He has taken credit for halting the India-Pakistan conflict more than 80 times since 10 May 2025, when he announced a US-mediated "full and immediate" ceasefire on social media.

He also boasts of stopping eight wars in his second term's first year. Such assertions have drawn scepticism, particularly from Indian officials who view them as distortions of sovereign decision-making.

Sharif's presence at the event highlighted the diplomatic tightrope. While Trump praised the "beautiful" outcome, Pakistan has not publicly contradicted India's denial of external mediation, though Sharif's past statements remain a point of contention.

The tariff threat—200 per cent on both economies—raises questions about its feasibility. India's diversified trade partnerships and Pakistan's fragile economy would have faced severe disruptions, yet no such measures materialised.

Aircraft losses remain unverified. Independent analyses, including satellite imagery and open-source intelligence, reported limited aerial activity with no confirmed shoot-downs on either side.

Operation Sindoor showcased India's precision strikes on terrorist camps, linked to groups responsible for the Pahalgam massacre. The operation underscored New Delhi's doctrine of punitive action against cross-border terrorism.

The DGMO hotline, established post-2003 ceasefire, proved pivotal. A late-night call on 10 May 2025 led to the mutual cessation of hostilities, bypassing international intermediaries.

Trump's repeated storytelling amplifies his "peacemaker" image ahead of domestic political battles. Critics argue it undermines the autonomy of South Asian powers in resolving their disputes.

India-Pakistan tensions persist beneath the surface. Water-sharing disputes, Kashmir militancy, and border skirmishes continue to test the fragile truce.

Global observers note the irony: Trump's tariff rhetoric echoes his protectionist policies, yet the ceasefire's true architects credit de-escalation through established military protocols rather than economic arm-twisting.

As Trump prepares for further engagements, India's steadfast rebuttals signal no shift in its narrative. The episode highlights diverging perceptions of influence in one of the world's most volatile flashpoints.

NDTV

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US State Secretary Rubio Meets Shehbaz Sharif Hails Pakistan's Backing of Trump Gaza Plan

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has commended Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for endorsing President Donald Trump's peace initiative for Gaza and committing to the newly formed Board of Peace.

This endorsement came during a high-level meeting in Washington DC on 20 February 2026, where Rubio underscored the strengthening strategic ties between the United States and Pakistan.

The discussions centred on two pivotal areas: the development of critical minerals and enhanced counterterrorism cooperation. Rubio highlighted these as cornerstones of the bilateral relationship, reflecting broader US interests in securing supply chains amid global geopolitical shifts. Pakistan's alignment with the Board of Peace marks a notable step in its evolving foreign policy posture.

In a striking moment at the Board's inaugural session, Sharif lavished praise on Trump for his purported mediation in the 2024 India-Pakistan conflict. He described Trump's intervention as 'timely and very effective', crediting it with securing a ceasefire that 'potentially averted the loss of millions of lives'. Sharif went further, hailing Trump as a 'man of peace' and the 'saviour of the people of South Asia'.

Trump, seizing the platform, reiterated his narrative of single-handedly resolving the crisis. He claimed to have threatened a '200 per cent tariff' on both nations, asserting that economic pressure trumped military escalation—'nothing like money', as he put it. This account builds on his prior statements, now inflating the tally of downed jets from eight to eleven during the skirmishes.

The conflict in question stemmed from the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2024, which claimed 26 lives and prompted India's Operation Sindoor—precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. What followed was a brief but intense exchange, escalating tensions along the Line of Control before a de-escalation.

Trump recounted phoning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sharif directly, leveraging personal rapport to broker peace. Despite India's firm denial of any third-party role—insisting the ceasefire resulted from bilateral Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) talks—Trump framed himself as the decisive actor. He emphasised that both leaders prioritised trade deals over continued fighting.

India has consistently rejected these claims, reaffirming its longstanding doctrine against external mediation in bilateral disputes, particularly those concerning Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi maintains that resolutions must occur directly between the two sovereign states, without international interlopers.

This episode underscores persistent divergences in South Asian conflict narratives. Pakistan's public embrace of Trump's version aligns with its strategic outreach to the US, potentially at odds with India's bilateralism. For observers of Indo-Pak dynamics, it highlights how external powers continue to interpret—and reshape—regional flashpoints to suit their agendas.

The Board of Peace, while ostensibly focused on Gaza, now appears to encompass broader Middle East and South Asian stability efforts. Pakistan's involvement could signal deepening US-Pakistan ties in counterterrorism and minerals—key for batteries and defence tech—amid competition with China in these domains.

From an Indian strategic lens, Rubio's engagement with Sharif raises questions about US balancing acts in the region. With India advancing indigenous defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat, any perceived tilt towards Pakistan on minerals or terror could influence future Quad and I2U2 collaborations.

Trump's tariff threat, though unverified, evokes his transactional diplomacy style, now revived in his second term. Whether it genuinely swayed the 2024 ceasefire remains contested, but it amplifies his image as a peacemaker among allies like Pakistan.

As the US navigates alliances, this meeting may presage intensified focus on critical minerals from Pakistan, which holds reserves of lithium and rare earths vital for aerospace and missile systems. For defence analysts tracking supply chains, this partnership warrants close scrutiny.

India's measured response—sticking to facts without dignifying exaggerations—reinforces its non-alignment in mediation matters. Yet, the optics of Sharif's effusive thanks could ripple through domestic politics in both nations, fuelling debates on leadership legacies.

The Rubio-Sharif parley blends Gaza peace efforts with hard-nosed geopolitics, where Trump's 2024 claims serve as diplomatic currency. South Asia watches as narratives clash, with implications for bilateral trust and great-power competition.

ANI

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Donald Trump Invites China And Russia To Oversee UN Via New 'Board of Peace'

US President Donald Trump has convened the inaugural meeting of his newly established Board of Peace, voicing a strong desire to include China and Russia among its members.

Speaking to reporters in Washington DC, Trump revealed that invitations have already been extended to both nations, though neither has yet confirmed its participation.

Trump emphasised his personal rapport with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the address. He recounted a previous visit to China, where he was reportedly impressed by a military display featuring soldiers of identical height. "If they put their helmets down, you could have played pool on the top of their heads," Trump quipped, describing the spectacle as "pretty amazing."

The Board of Peace, Trump explained, aims to oversee the United Nations and ensure its effective operation. He pledged US support to upgrade the UN's facilities and bolster its financial stability, underscoring America's commitment to making the organisation "viable."

In a significant announcement, Trump revealed that the United States would contribute USD 10 billion to the board. This funding will initially target reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip, aligning with the board's broader mission to resolve global conflicts and foster international cooperation.

Delegations from over 40 countries attended the meeting, signalling widespread interest. However, prominent UN Security Council members—France, Britain, Russia, and China—chose not to participate. The European Union has also declined a seat, according to reports from Al Jazeera.

India received an invitation but has not publicly responded. The board's structure includes a founding Executive Board featuring Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as noted by CNN.

Trump first proposed the Board of Peace in September as part of the second phase of a US-brokered 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza. Positioned as a parallel mechanism to the UN, it seeks to enhance conflict resolution and address pressing global crises through streamlined decision-making and targeted initiatives.

The initiative reflects Trump's ongoing emphasis on deal-making diplomacy, leveraging personal relationships and substantial financial commitments. While the board's oversight role over the UN has sparked debate, its focus on Gaza reconstruction could mark a practical starting point amid protracted regional tensions.

Neither Russia nor China has commented officially on the invitations, leaving open questions about their potential involvement. Trump's upcoming April visit to China may provide further clarity on Beijing's stance.

ANI

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Trump's 'Board of Peace' Gains 20 New Members Amid Global Tensions

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Monday that 20 additional countries have joined US President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' initiative. She made the revelation during a briefing but declined to name the new participants.

The Board of Peace was initially established by the UN Security Council to oversee Gaza's management for the next two years. However, the Trump administration has repositioned it to tackle conflicts worldwide, sparking controversy among some Western allies.

Leavitt highlighted the return of the last remaining Israeli hostage from Gaza as a "huge foreign policy feat" for Trump, Israel, and the international community. This comes after Trump formally launched the initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 22 January.

Describing the Davos event as a "very exciting day, long in the making," Trump proclaimed, "We're going to have peace in the world." He boasted that his administration was "settling eight wars" while threats globally were "calming down."

The initiative stems from Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which gained UN Security Council endorsement. It has since expanded dramatically, with officials stating around 35 nations have committed and 60 received invitations.

Trump suggested the board could eclipse existing United Nations roles. During a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi—who confirmed Egypt's membership—Trump noted, "We have a lot of great people that want to join."

Some leaders require parliamentary approval before committing, while uninvited countries have sought inclusion. Trump defended inviting figures like Russia's Vladimir Putin, insisting he wants "everybody" powerful enough to "get the job done."

European allies have pushed back. Several declined participation over the board's broadened mandate and its challenge to the UN-based international system. The UK refused to sign the treaty at Davos, citing Putin's invitation.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper voiced concerns about the board's direction. Media reports on the charter reveal permanent membership demands a USD 1 billion contribution, with non-paying members getting three-year terms.

The charter also names Trump as permanent chairman, even post-presidency. He tied the initiative to his Iran strategy, claiming it facilitated the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. "If we didn't do that, there was no chance of making peace," Trump asserted.

Leavitt's announcement underscores Trump's aggressive peace-making vision, blending Gaza's reconstruction with broader global ambitions. Yet resistance from traditional allies highlights tensions over bypassing UN frameworks.

The board's expansion raises questions about its funding, authority, and long-term viability. With 20 new sign-ups, it now claims significant momentum, though secrecy around members fuels speculation.

Trump's rhetoric at Davos painted a transformed world order. Just a year prior, he said, the globe "was actually on fire," but now "many good things are happening," including progress toward ending Russia's war in Ukraine.

Critics argue the initiative risks fragmenting multilateral diplomacy. Proponents see it as pragmatic leadership filling UN voids. As membership grows, the board's first actions will test these competing narratives.

Egypt's involvement signals buy-in from Middle Eastern powers. Trump's inclusion of controversial leaders like Putin aims to ensure deal-making clout, but alienates NATO partners wary of Russian influence.

The USD 1 billion permanent fee could limit participation to wealthy states, creating a tiered structure. Non-permanent members face time limits, potentially incentivising deeper commitments.

Leavitt's Gaza hostage remarks frame the board as a success driver. Yet Western unease persists over its UN-rival ambitions and Trump's enduring chairmanship, which some view as unprecedented.

As the initiative evolves, it embodies Trump's deal-oriented foreign policy. Whether it delivers promised peace or sows division remains the central question for 2026's turbulent global landscape.

Based On ANI Report

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Israeli Embassy Confirms Invitation To Modi As February Visit Rumours Swirl

Israel has officially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state visit, according to confirmation from the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi.

This development has sparked speculation about a possible trip in February 2026, amid intensifying diplomatic exchanges between the two nations. An embassy spokesperson told CNN-News18, “I can confirm Israel has invited him,” though specifics on dates or acceptance remain undisclosed.

The invitation revives memories of Modi's landmark 2017 visit to Israel, the first by an Indian Prime Minister. That trip marked a pivotal shift in bilateral ties, fostering deeper collaboration across key sectors. Eight years on, both countries appear eager to build on this foundation through high-level engagement.

No official response has emerged from New Delhi as yet. Indian government sources have maintained silence on whether Modi has accepted the overture or if February aligns with his schedule. Diplomatic insiders, however, indicate mutual enthusiasm for the meeting, suggesting plans could materialise soon.

Speculation intensified earlier this month following a phone call between Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu subsequently posted on social media, expressing optimism about an in-person summit. He highlighted the “boundless potential” of the India-Israel partnership and his anticipation for continued discussions face-to-face.

Netanyahu's planned visit to India in November 2025 fell through, leaving this as a key opportunity for direct dialogue. The leaders’ recent conversation underscored the robustness of their strategic alliance, particularly in areas vital to both nations’ security and growth.

India-Israel relations have flourished since 2017, spanning defence, technology, agriculture, and water management. Israel ranks among India’s top three arms suppliers, providing advanced systems that bolster New Delhi’s military capabilities. Joint ventures in drones, missiles, and surveillance technology exemplify this synergy.

Counter-terrorism cooperation stands out as another cornerstone. Shared intelligence and cybersecurity initiatives have strengthened amid global threats. These ties align with India’s ‘Make in India’ push, incorporating Israeli innovation into indigenous defence manufacturing.

Agriculture and innovation exchanges have also yielded tangible benefits. Israeli drip irrigation techniques have transformed water-scarce regions in India, while tech collaborations drive advancements in AI and renewables. Such partnerships reflect a pragmatic, multifaceted diplomacy.

The timing of the potential visit carries geopolitical weight. With ongoing tensions in West Asia, Modi’s trip could reaffirm India’s balanced stance while deepening security pacts. It might also spotlight economic deals, including semiconductors and space technology, where Israel excels.

For Israel, hosting Modi signals continuity in its outreach to Global South powers. Netanyahu’s government views India as a counterweight to shifting alliances. A February visit would cap a year of diplomatic recalibration post-2025 regional conflicts.

Challenges persist, including scheduling amid Modi’s packed calendar and India’s Lok Sabha commitments. Yet, the embassy’s confirmation hints at momentum. Observers await India’s formal nod, which could herald new defence contracts or tech accords.

This prospective visit underscores a relationship that has evolved from niche cooperation to strategic indispensability. Both leaders’ public endorsements suggest it will proceed, potentially elevating ties to unprecedented levels in the coming months.

Based On News18 Report

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Davos Diplomatic Divide: Pakistan Pays Up For Trump's Peace Board, India Eyes UN Loyalty

President Donald Trump launched the Board of Peace at the 2026 Davos Summit, positioning it as a pay-to-play alternative to the United Nations with a $1 billion fee for permanent membership.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined prominently, while India, despite an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opted to remain non-committal and absent from the signing ceremony.

This stark contrast has ignited debates across South Asia about strategic implications, optics, and India's principled stance.

The Board's charter, an 11-page document, omits specific mention of Gaza reconstruction despite its origins in overseeing post-ceasefire efforts there, instead claiming a broad mandate for global dispute mediation.

Trump chairs the body alongside a founding executive council featuring US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and others, with around 25 to 35 countries signing on initially, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Indonesia, and Bahrain. Critics view it as a rival to the UN, with Trump asserting it could "do whatever we choose" once fully formed.

India's decision to walk away stems from multiple strategic red flags. Foremost is the optics of Pakistan's prominent inclusion alongside Trump, a nation India regards as a persistent security threat due to cross-border terrorism and the unresolved Kashmir dispute.

New Delhi likely sees no value in legitimising a forum where Islamabad gains an "inner circle" platform potentially to internationalise Kashmir, bypassing established UN mechanisms. Major powers like China, France, the UK, and Germany also skipped the event, signalling limited global buy-in and reinforcing India's caution against a US-centric initiative.

The $1 billion entry fee raises further suspicions of a "billion-dollar trap," resembling a transactional scheme rather than a multilateral institution grounded in equity. For India, already investing heavily in indigenous defence under Make in India and balancing ties with the US via QUAD, committing funds to an unproven body chaired by Trump—whose foreign policy often prioritises deal-making—poses fiscal and diplomatic risks.

The Board's golden logo, evoking opulence over substance, and its initial focus on Gaza and potentially Americas-centric issues, underscore a misalignment with India's priorities in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian stability.

Trump's explosive claim of personally averting a nuclear war in May 2025, purportedly saving 20 million lives, adds to the scepticism, lacking independent verification and fitting his pattern of bold assertions.

No credible reports confirm such an event, and it appears designed to burnish the Board's peace-making credentials amid Gaza ceasefire fragility. Pakistan may leverage this access to push its narrative on Kashmir directly to Trump, exploiting any FOMO pressure on India, but New Delhi's firm non-commitment reflects a mature strategy of multilateralism via the UN and G20.

India's absence underscores a commitment to principles over prestige. By avoiding Davos optics, New Delhi sidesteps entanglement in a potentially divisive venture that could dilute UN authority and empower adversaries.

This stance aligns with India's historical wariness of exclusive clubs, preferring inclusive platforms where its rising global heft—bolstered by economic growth and defence self-reliance—carries weight without upfront payments. The FOMO narrative overlooks India's leverage elsewhere, as evidenced by its robust US ties sans Board membership.

Pakistan's participation, conversely, signals a pragmatic bid for influence in a Trump-led order, possibly to counterbalance India and secure economic aid amid domestic challenges.

Yet, with limited signatories and absences of key players, the Board's shockwaves may fade, validating India's restraint as a masterstroke in long-term diplomacy. As Davos recedes, the initiative's true test lies in delivery, not fanfare.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Trump Axes Canada's 'Board of Peace' Bid Amid Fiery Transatlantic Clash With Carney

Tensions between the United States and Canada have escalated dramatically this week, culminating in President Donald Trump's abrupt withdrawal of an invitation for Canada to join his proposed "Board of Peace".

This self-styled billion-dollar initiative aims to resolve global conflicts, but the move underscores a deepening rift between the two longstanding allies.

The spat erupted following pointed exchanges at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech that drew international headlines.

Carney's address on Tuesday warned of a "rupture" in the US-led, rules-based global order. He received a standing ovation from the assembly of political and financial elites for his candid assessment. 

Although he did not name Trump directly, the remarks were widely interpreted as a critique of the US president's disruptive approach to international affairs. Carney urged middle powers like Canada, which have prospered under American hegemony, to adapt to a new era where mere compliance offers no protection from major power aggression.

Trump responded swiftly during his own speech at Davos the following day, taking direct aim at Carney. "I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn't so grateful," Trump remarked.

He then issued a provocative claim: "Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements." This taunt set the stage for further acrimony, highlighting Trump's penchant for personalising diplomatic disputes.

On Thursday, Carney hit back in a national address from Quebec City, just ahead of a new legislative session. "Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian," he declared firmly.

While acknowledging the "remarkable partnership" between the nations, Carney positioned his country as a counterpoint to global democratic decline. He emphasised that Canada could demonstrate an alternative path, resisting the "arc of history" bending towards authoritarianism and exclusion.

Later that same day, Trump fired off a post on his Truth Social platform, formally withdrawing the Board of Peace invitation. "Dear Prime Minister Carney: Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining," he wrote.

A Canadian government source clarified to AFP that Ottawa had no intention of paying to participate, despite Carney's earlier indication of openness to joining. This exchange has amplified concerns over the fraying of bilateral ties.

The rhetoric reflects broader strains in US-Canada relations since Trump assumed office nine months ago. Canada remains heavily dependent on trade with its southern neighbour, which absorbs over three-quarters of its exports.

Key sectors such as automobiles, aluminium, and steel have suffered under Trump's global tariffs, though the pain has been somewhat cushioned by adherence to the existing North American free trade agreement. Negotiations to revise this deal are slated to begin early this year, with Trump insisting the US requires no Canadian goods—a stance that could devastate Canada's economy.

Trump's threats have extended beyond trade. He has repeatedly floated the idea of annexing Canada, even sharing a social media image this week depicting Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela under the American flag. Such provocations have fuelled unease in Ottawa.

In his Thursday speech, Carney admitted Canada harboured no "illusions" about the precarious global landscape, noting that "the world is more divided" and "former alliances are being redefined and, in some cases, broken".

To counter these challenges, Carney outlined plans to bolster Canada's defences. He pledged to ramp up spending to safeguard sovereignty and secure borders. Framing Canada as "a beacon, an example to a world that's at sea", the prime minister signalled a strategic pivot towards greater self-reliance. This comes amid Trump's pattern of upending traditional alliances, prompting middle powers worldwide to reassess their positions.

The Davos exchanges and subsequent fallout illustrate a profound shift in North American dynamics. Carney's rising international profile, bolstered by his economic expertise from his time as Bank of England governor, positions him as a vocal Trump critic.

Yet, with economic interdependence so entrenched, both leaders face pressures to avoid outright rupture. As negotiations loom and rhetoric intensifies, observers warn of potential long-term damage to one of the world's most integrated bilateral relationships.

Agencies

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India Weighs Trump’s Gaza Peace Board Invite As Israel, Pakistan Sign On

India's government is carefully weighing an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to participate in a proposed U.S.-led "Board of Peace" for Gaza. Experts urge caution regarding the board's legitimacy and mandate.

On 21 January 2026, several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the UAE, announced their decision to join. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also accepted.

Sources in New Delhi indicate that Indian and Israeli diplomats are coordinating potential high-level visits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may travel to Israel, while Netanyahu could visit India. These exchanges form part of broader regional engagement amid the Israel-Palestine conflict.

New Delhi will host the Foreign Ministers of the 22-member League of Arab States on 30 January. The government plans consultations with regional partners on the U.S.-promoted Gaza Peace Proposal.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the UAE, who visited India this week to unveil a major strategic defence partnership, accepted Trump's invitation on 21 January. Netanyahu, a frequent interlocutor of Modi, followed suit.

Modi is reportedly planning a West Asia tour next month, with invitations from multiple countries. A senior official confirmed Israel as a possible stop. Modi's last visit to Israel occurred in 2017, and to Palestine in 2018. Netanyahu's long-delayed trip to India, postponed thrice last year, remains on the agenda.

Trump's letter targeted leaders from about 60 countries, including India, Russia, China, Türkiye, Argentina, Brazil, Pakistan, and various West Asian and European nations. The Ministry of External Affairs has declined comment, stating the matter is under discussion.

India's longstanding support for a two-state solution and aid to Palestinians must guide any decision. Former Ambassador Anil Trigunayat noted that peace in Gaza would benefit its people, with India well-placed to offer humanitarian aid, particularly medical expertise.

Trigunayat highlighted the U.S. plan's nod to a two-state pathway, despite Israel's opposition. However, he flagged concerns over the board's "corporate governance model," including a one-billion-dollar fee for permanent membership.

Pakistan's inclusion on the board and an international stabilisation force raises red flags for some. Trump's pitch positions the model as a UN alternative, complicating matters.

Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao stressed evaluation against key principles: respect for international law, a clear limited mandate, and alignment with UN frameworks. India will likely prioritise regional sensitivities, its established positions, and avoid precedent-setting commitments.

Rao anticipates demands for greater clarity on the board's mandate before any response. Nations already committed include Argentina, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and Canada. Ukraine and the UK oppose inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The U.S. has named Trump as chair, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special negotiator Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, financier Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel from the U.S. National Security Council.

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