Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that New Delhi has received a formal communication from Washington on joining the board but is yet to take a position.
“As far as the Peace Council is concerned, we have received an invitation from the US government to join the Peace Council. We are currently considering and reviewing this proposal,” Jaiswal said.
INDIA’S CAREFUL RESPONSE
Jaiswal reiterated India’s long-standing support for peace and dialogue in the region, but declined to join the US-led initiative.
“As you know, India has consistently supported efforts that promote peace, stability and dialogue in West Asia. Our Prime Minister has also welcomed all such initiatives that pave the way for long-lasting peace in the entire region, including Gaza,” he said.
The Peace Council was established under the umbrella of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, which welcomed its establishment as a transitional authority to support governance, reconstruction and stability in Gaza. It is also linked to plans for an International Stabilization Force, a multinational peacekeeping force authorized to help enforce the ceasefire and support demilitarization and reconstruction efforts.
WHO IS ON TRUMP’S PEACE COUNCIL
The board structure places the United States as chairman, with a founding Board of Directors composed of senior figures including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Jared Kushner and Marc Rowan, among others. A Gaza Executive Board supports governance efforts on the ground.
Several countries have accepted invitations to join or participate in the Peace Council. Leading Arab and Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, have expressed their acceptance and view the initiative as a mechanism to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and support reconstruction. Morocco, Bahrain and Israel have also agreed to join.
According to reports, the Governing Council has sent invitations to approximately 60 countries, and more than 27 countries have agreed to participate. Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Uzbekistan and Vietnam are among the members listed.
However, several traditional Western democracies have chosen not to participate. Major Western powers such as France, Germany, Britain and Spain have either refused, postponed a decision, or taken a cautious approach, reflecting skepticism.
– Ends
With input from authorities
Tune in
#India #assessing #invitation #join #Trumps #Gaza #Board #Peace #MEA #confirms