Trump invites Modi to join Gaza peace board
US President Donald Trump has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in proposed high-level peace talks aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, according to an official letter issued from the White House dated January 16, 2026.
In the letter addressed to Prime Minister Modi, Trump described the initiative as a “critically historic and magnificent effort” to consolidate peace in the Middle East while advancing a new global approach to conflict resolution. Emphasising India’s global leadership, he invited the Prime Minister to join what he termed a collective international endeavour to achieve lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Government is objecting to the White House announcement of leaders who will play a role in overseeing the next steps in Gaza. The rare criticism from Israel of its close ally in Washington says the Gaza executive committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy,” without details.
Trump recalled the announcement made by him on September 29, 2025, of a “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”, a 20-point roadmap that he said had garnered wide international backing from major Arab nations, Israel and several European countries. He further noted that the United Nations Security Council had adopted Resolution 2803 in November 2025, endorsing the proposed vision.
The letter stated that the next phase of the initiative would focus on implementation through the establishment of a proposed “Board of Peace”, envisioned as a new international organisation and transitional governing administration to oversee peace-building and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The invitation has drawn particular attention as it could potentially see Prime Minister Modi attending Gaza peace talks and holding a meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the event. Such an interaction would be closely watched, coming at a time when India and the US are engaged in a tariff war marked by trade frictions and reciprocal duties.
Observers note that Modi’s participation, if confirmed, would underline India’s rising diplomatic profile and its ability to engage major global powers even amid economic disagreements. It would also highlight New Delhi’s consistent position of supporting dialogue, stability and humanitarian peace efforts in the Middle East.
The possible interaction has added an extra layer of intrigue, coming amid an ongoing tariff war between the two countries. It will be closely watched as two powerful global leaders meet on the sidelines of the Gaza peace talks at a time when the US President has adopted an aggressive posture towards India, including threats of imposing additional 25 per cent tariffs if New Delhi continues business engagements with Iran and Russia.
US President has adopted an aggressive stance towards India, including threats of further trade penalties if New Delhi continues business ties with Iran and Russia.
