In a move that has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic world, President Donald Trump has officially invited India and Pakistan to join his newly formed "Board of Peace." Initially designed to oversee the reconstruction and governance of Gaza following the October 2025 ceasefire, the board's scope is rapidly expanding. But it’s not just the invitation that’s making headlines—it’s the unprecedented $1 billion "fee" attached to a permanent seat.
Here is a breakdown of what this means for the region, the price of admission, and why this board is being called a potential rival to the United Nations.
What is the "Board of Peace"?
The Board of Peace is a centerpiece of Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza. Its primary goal is to oversee the "second phase" of the ceasefire, which includes:
Transitional Governance: Managing a Palestinian technocratic committee to run public services.
Security: Deploying an international security force and disarming Hamas.
Reconstruction: Mobilizing billions of dollars to rebuild the war-torn enclave.
However, the board's draft charter suggests it isn't just about Gaza. Trump has described it as a "bold new approach" to resolving global conflicts, leading many to believe it is intended as a more "nimble" alternative to the UN Security Council.
Why India and Pakistan?
The inclusion of both New Delhi and Islamabad is a strategic masterstroke, but it puts both nations in a delicate position.
1. India’s Balancing Act
For India, the invite is a nod to its rising status as a "Vishwa Mitra" (friend of the world).
The Logic: India maintains strong ties with Israel while supporting a two-state solution and providing aid to Palestine.
The Connection: World Bank President Ajay Banga is already on the board’s Executive Committee, giving India a familiar face at the table.
The Dilemma: Joining a board chaired personally by Donald Trump—rather than the "Office of the President"—raises questions about India’s traditional policy of strategic autonomy.
2. Pakistan’s Strategic Role
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received his invitation just hours before India.
The Logic: Pakistan has historically been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause. Their involvement provides Islamic legitimacy to a board that otherwise features many pro-Israel voices like Jared Kushner and Marco Rubio.
The Connection: Turkey and Qatar have also been invited, suggesting Trump is trying to build a coalition that spans the Muslim world.
The $1 Billion "Fee": Pay-to-Play Diplomacy?
The most controversial aspect of the board is the price of a "Permanent Seat." According to reports and the draft charter:
| Membership Type | Requirement | Duration |
| Founding Member | Acceptance of Invitation | 3 Years (Renewable) |
| Permanent Member | $1 Billion USD contribution in the first year | Perpetual |
Where does the money go?
The White House has been quick to push back against the idea that this is a "fee." They argue the $1 billion is a direct investment in Gaza’s reconstruction.
By demanding upfront capital, Trump claims the board will avoid the "administrative bloat" and "endless bureaucracy" of the UN. Critics, however, argue that this creates a tiered system of diplomacy where only the wealthiest nations have a permanent say in global peace.
The Road Ahead: Will They Join?
While Hungary (Viktor Orbán) and Vietnam have already accepted, India and Pakistan are treading carefully.
India is currently reviewing the invitation. Accepting could mean a massive seat at the global table, but it also means aligning closely with a Trump-led international order that bypasses traditional UN channels.
Pakistan has expressed commitment to the Palestinian cause but has yet to confirm if it will officially join the board or contribute the massive funds required for a permanent seat.
What this means for you
This isn't just a story about Gaza; it's a story about the shifting world order. If this board succeeds, we could see a future where global conflict resolution is driven by "coalitions of the willing" with deep pockets, rather than the collective (and often stalled) consensus of the United Nations.
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