Key Takeaways
- India has received a US invitation, reportedly from Donald Trump, to join a Gaza peacekeeping board.
- While seen as recognition of India’s global stature, experts warn it could be a “diplomatic landmine.”
- Major risks include alienating Gulf partners and contradicting India’s traditional support for Palestinian rights.
- The final decision will depend on the board’s mandate and alignment with India’s independent foreign policy.
India is weighing a high-stakes diplomatic invitation from the United States to join a proposed “peacekeeping board” for Gaza. The move, while potentially boosting its global profile, carries significant risks that could upset key relationships in West Asia.
The invitation, extended by former President Donald Trump, seeks to form a board of major global players to oversee peace efforts in the conflict-ridden region. India’s potential involvement underscores its rising geopolitical influence.
Why Experts Call It a “Diplomatic Landmine”
Analysts caution that accepting the role could backfire. The core risk lies in straining ties with crucial West Asian partners, especially Gulf nations vital for India’s energy security and economic interests. A visible role in a US-led initiative on the polarising Israel-Palestine issue may be seen as siding with Washington, disrupting a carefully maintained balance.
Furthermore, the board is linked to Trump’s “Vision for Peace” plan, which Palestinian leaders have rejected. India has a long-standing position supporting a two-state solution and Palestinian rights. Associating with a plan perceived as unilateral could clash with these principles, sparking domestic criticism and backlash from the Global South.
The Strategic Calculus for New Delhi
The offer is undoubtedly tempting as a marker of global recognition. However, the government must conduct a clear-eyed assessment, weighing symbolic gains against the potential for lasting diplomatic damage in a critical region.
The final call will likely depend on the board’s precise mandate, its composition, and most importantly, whether it aligns with India’s core principle of strategic autonomy in foreign policy.
