NEW DELHI(The COW News Digital)India is facing growing diplomatic unease amid concerns that former US President Donald Trump could raise the long-standing Kashmir dispute within an international peace framework, potentially increasing pressure on New Delhi’s foreign policy stance.
According to reports in British media, Trump has invited India to join a newly formed “Board of Peace” established to oversee post-war reconstruction in Gaza and monitor a ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas. Indian officials, however, have yet to announce a formal decision on participation, reflecting hesitation within policy circles.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that India fears the platform could be expanded beyond Gaza, allowing broader geopolitical disputes — including Kashmir — to be discussed. Such a development would challenge India’s consistent position that Kashmir is a bilateral issue and not subject to international mediation.
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The Board of Peace is reportedly designed to supervise ceasefire compliance, humanitarian access, and the formation of an interim administrative framework in Gaza. Several influential regional and global players have already joined the initiative, including Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Reports indicate that a total of 59 countries have signed onto the framework so far.
The initiative was formally discussed during an international gathering in Davos, where representatives from 19 countries participated. Notably absent from the event was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a decision that has drawn attention amid speculation over India’s cautious approach to the peace board.
Diplomatic analysts believe India’s reluctance stems from concerns that participation could inadvertently legitimize international discussion of disputed territories. Trump’s past remarks on mediating the Kashmir issue — which were firmly rejected by India — continue to influence New Delhi’s calculations.
While India has traditionally supported humanitarian initiatives in conflict zones, officials are reportedly weighing the strategic costs of joining a multilateral forum where sensitive regional disputes might surface. Participation could expose India to renewed calls for dialogue or mediation on Kashmir, especially from countries already involved in the board.
Meanwhile, proponents of the peace board argue that broader international engagement is essential for stabilizing conflict zones and preventing further escalation. They maintain that the forum’s mandate remains focused on Gaza and that any expansion would require consensus among member states.
As deliberations continue, India’s final decision is expected to signal how it balances humanitarian diplomacy with its core foreign policy principles. Observers note that New Delhi’s choice could also shape its relations with Washington and key Middle Eastern partners in the months ahead.
