KARACHI – New Delhi is reportedly on edge as concerns grow that U.S. President Donald Trump might introduce the long-standing Kashmir dispute into his newly proposed “Board of Peace,” potentially ramping up diplomatic pressure on India.
The Gaza Initiative
According to British media reports, President Trump has invited India to join the Board of Peace, an initiative primarily established to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, monitor a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and manage an interim government. While major players like Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have already joined—and 59 countries have signed on—India has yet to make a definitive move.
The Davos Snub
The initiative gained momentum during a recent event in Davos attended by 19 nations. Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was absent. Analysts suggest that India’s hesitation stems from the fear that its decision could impact stability in West Asia and complicate its bilateral ties with the United States.
Why India is Apprehensive
The core of India’s concern lies in the potential “mission creep” of the board. During his address, Trump hinted that this peace model could be expanded to other regions after Gaza. Former Indian Envoy Syed Akbaruddin has already opposed joining the board, arguing it could conflict with UN Resolution 2803. Similarly, former Ambassador Ranjit Rae pointed out that the board has no fixed duration, meaning its mandate could easily be extended beyond Gaza to other conflict zones, including Kashmir. For India, the prospect of an international board mediating on Kashmir remains a red-line issue, as New Delhi has historically maintained that the dispute is a bilateral matter.
