India Should Say No to US Gaza Peace Board: Kanwal Sibal’s Bold Warning

​Why India Must Politely Decline the US Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ Invite: Kanwal Sibal

In a significant development that has sent ripples through the diplomatic corridors of New Delhi, the United States has formally invited India to join its newly proposed ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza. While the invitation highlights India’s growing stature as a global power, veteran diplomat and former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal has a very different take. His advice to the Indian government is blunt and clear: "No, thank you."

The US Proposal: A Grand but Risky Ambition

The ‘Board of Peace’ is a key component of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point "Comprehensive Plan" to end the Gaza conflict. Chaired by the US President himself, this board aims to oversee post-war governance, reconstruction, and security in the Gaza Strip. The invitation, conveyed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor, places India alongside a select group of global leaders tasked with managing one of the world’s most volatile regions.

However, the fine print of the charter has raised eyebrows. Reports suggest that permanent membership requires a staggering $1 billion contribution, and the board seeks to operate as a new international organization, potentially bypassing traditional UN frameworks.

Sibal’s Critique: Why India Should Stay Away

Kanwal Sibal, known for his sharp geopolitical insights, argues that Gaza is a "complex Arab issue" that India should not get entangled in. His opposition is rooted in several strategic concerns:

• Avoid the "Mess": Sibal believes India should not be part of an "arbitrarily set up" arrangement that lacks universal UN approval and is fraught with potential difficulties.

• Strategic Autonomy: Joining a US-led board could be perceived as India taking a side in a deeply polarized conflict, potentially compromising its balanced relations with both Israel and the Arab world.

• National Priorities: At a time when India is focusing on its own neighborhood and the Indo-Pacific, committing resources and diplomatic capital to the reconstruction of Gaza—a task historically fraught with failure—seems like an unnecessary burden.

A Human-Centric Perspective on Diplomacy

From a human standpoint, India has always been a provider of humanitarian aid to Palestine while maintaining a robust strategic partnership with Israel. However, being part of a "Transitional Governing Administration" is a different ballgame. It involves political accountability for the actions of a region where peace has remained elusive for decades.

As Sibal points out, it is better to let the regional Arab nations, who have a direct stake in the stability of their backyard, lead this initiative. For India, the risks of being "suckered" into a long-term diplomatic and financial quagmire far outweigh the prestige of sitting on a high-profile board.