At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, US President Donald Trump revealed his much-anticipated “Board of Peace,” an initiative aimed at resolving international conflicts and promoting global cooperation. The unveiling drew significant attention, but India’s conspicuous absence from the stage raised questions. Despite receiving an invitation from Trump to participate, India chose not to attend, leading to speculation about the reasons behind their non-participation in the event.
India’s decision to remain absent from the Board of Peace was unexpected, especially considering the Indian government’s prior invitation to join the initiative. The Indian government, while not officially rejecting the invitation, has refrained from publicly commenting on the matter, leading to diplomatic uncertainty. Analysts believe that India’s reluctance could stem from complex geopolitical concerns, particularly in light of the event’s other participants.
One of the most notable attendees at the ceremony was Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. While India declined the invitation, Pakistan joined the US president on stage, a move that may have added an element of geopolitical drama to the event. Pakistan’s inclusion was significant, especially given the ongoing tensions in the region, including Pakistan’s strained relations with India. Sharif’s participation in the Board of Peace, while seen as a diplomatic win for Pakistan, further complicates India’s decision to stay away from the event.
The Board of Peace, as envisioned by Trump, aims to bring together nations to resolve international disputes, with a special focus on the Middle East. Countries like Bahrain, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have joined the initiative, signaling a concerted effort to foster dialogue in conflict zones. However, the absence of several Western European nations from the initiative has raised doubts about its global legitimacy and effectiveness.
India’s refusal to engage with the initiative is seen as a reflection of the nation’s cautious approach toward peace-building efforts that involve countries with ongoing conflicts or contentious political stances. The Indian government, which has historically played a prominent role in advocating for global peace, may have hesitated to align itself with nations involved in geopolitical disputes, such as Russia, which is currently engaged in the war with Ukraine.
Trump’s unveiling of the Board of Peace raised the possibility of future peace resolutions, with the president claiming that “everybody” would want to join the initiative. However, the absence of major global players, coupled with India’s deliberate non-participation, casts a shadow over the board’s potential success. As the diplomatic dialogue continues, the world awaits to see whether India will reconsider its position on the initiative in the future.
