LONDON: British media has reported that India is concerned US President Donald Trump could raise the Kashmir dispute at the proposed Peace Board, a forum initially formed to oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza and monitor ceasefire arrangements.
According to the reports, Trump has invited India to join the Peace Board, though New Delhi has not yet confirmed whether it will participate.
The Peace Board is aimed at supporting a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while supervising interim governance arrangements in Gaza. Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have already agreed to join the initiative. A total of 59 countries have signed on, while representatives from 19 nations attended the launch event held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
British outlets said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been invited to the Davos ceremony but did not attend.
Analysts cited by the media said India’s decision on joining the Peace Board could influence regional stability in West Asia and impact its relations with Washington. The same reports noted concerns in New Delhi that Trump could also place the Kashmir issue on the Board’s agenda.
Speaking at the event, President Trump said the initiative was designed not only for the United States but for the wider international community, adding that similar frameworks could be extended to other regions.
Former Indian envoy Akbaruddin was quoted as saying India should avoid joining the Peace Board, arguing that it could conflict with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and risk binding New Delhi to future decisions taken by the forum.
Another former diplomat, Ranjit Rai, noted that the Peace Board does not have a defined timeline and could potentially be applied beyond Gaza.
