US President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to India to participate in a proposed ‘Board of Peace’ initiative focused on resolving global conflicts, starting with the ongoing Gaza crisis. This initiative has also reportedly included Pakistan, prompting concerns from Opposition leaders in India regarding the wisdom of collaborating with Pakistan in such endeavors. Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Tika Ram Jully, criticized the government’s foreign policy and questioned the effectiveness of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Tika Ram Jully expressed dismay over what he perceived as repeated disrespect towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the United States. He highlighted instances where the US allegedly insulted the Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for a stronger response from BJP leaders. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Abbas Haider raised doubts about India’s involvement in a peace committee that includes Pakistan, citing historical conflicts and attacks by Islamabad against India as reasons for caution.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo reiterated India’s commitment to peace in Gaza while refraining from direct commentary on President Trump’s invitation. He expressed reservations about Pakistan’s participation in the initiative, likening it to inviting the ‘Devil’. Despite the invitation, India’s official stance on joining the initiative remains undisclosed, with no formal statement from the government as of yet. The invitation comes amidst strained relations between New Delhi and Washington over unresolved trade issues and high tariffs on Indian exports to the US.
