- By Akansha Pandey
- Fri, 20 Feb 2026 03:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a significant diplomatic move, India participated as an observer nation in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza 'Board of Peace' initiated by US President Donald Trump. The meeting, held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, saw India represented by Namgya C Khampa, the Charge d’Affaires (CDA) at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC.
While India had previously opted out of the formal launch of the Board during the Davos summit on January 22, 2026, its presence at this first working meeting underscores its interest in global stability. The Board of Peace has been established with the primary objectives of ensuring long-term stability in Gaza, coordinating reconstruction efforts and addressing broader international conflicts.
Who Is Namgya C Khampa?
Namgya C Khampa is a distinguished 2000-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) who currently leads the Indian Mission in the United States in the absence of a permanent Ambassador. Serving as the Charge d’Affaires (CDA) and Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington DC since early 2026, she manages critical bilateral affairs and oversees diplomatic operations between India and the US.
A Career Built On Global Expertise
With over two decades of experience, Khampa has handled high-stakes assignments across China, the United Nations and East Africa:
China Specialisation: She served two separate terms at the Indian diplomatic mission in China, first from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2013 to 2016.
United Nations Tenure: From 2009 to 2013, she was a key member of India's Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. Notably, between 2011 and 2013, she was elected as a member of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ).
Regional Leadership: Her career includes a stint as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Kathmandu, Nepal, where she managed vital neighborhood ties.
Strengthening Ties In Africa
Prior to her current posting in Washington, Khampa served as India’s High Commissioner to Kenya. In this role, she was instrumental in enhancing trade, development, and bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Simultaneously, she held accreditation as India's Ambassador to the Republic of Somalia, where she played a pivotal role in managing India's strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.
Her representation at the 'Board of Peace' highlights her standing as one of India's most seasoned diplomats capable of navigating complex multilateral negotiations.
What Is Trump's 'Board Of Peace'?
The Board of Peace was formally launched by President Trump last month during the World Economic Forum in Davos. At its inception, Trump claimed that there was global enthusiasm for the initiative, with nations eager to join. While it was initially proposed to oversee the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza, assist in reconstruction, and provide governance support, Trump’s ambitions for the board have expanded significantly.
The board is increasingly being positioned as a potential alternative to the United Nations for conflict resolution. Currently, President Trump chairs the board with an indefinite tenure, aiming to use it as a primary vehicle for addressing not just Gaza, but various global conflicts.