The proposal, first unveiled in September during Trump’s announcement of a plan to end the Gaza war, has since expanded in scope to include conflicts worldwide, drawing both interest and concern among global leaders.

According to a draft charter seen by officials, Trump will serve as the inaugural chairman of the Board of Peace, giving him broad executive authority over the body’s direction, decision-making and membership structure.

The charter outlines that member countries would typically serve three-year terms, though nations willing to contribute $1 billion toward the board’s funding would be eligible for permanent membership status.

The White House has named several prominent figures to the founding Executive Board, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Officials involved in the initiative say the board is intended to promote peace-building efforts in line with international law, although questions remain over its legal authority and relationship with existing global institutions.

Witkoff stated that up to 25 countries have already accepted invitations to join the Board of Peace, including several Middle Eastern allies of Washington such as Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.

NATO members Turkey and Hungary have also agreed to participate, reflecting their leaders’ close personal ties with Trump and their willingness to engage with alternative diplomatic frameworks.

Other participating nations include Armenia and Azerbaijan, which reached a U.S.-brokered peace agreement last year after talks hosted at the White House.

More controversially, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has accepted the invitation, a move that signals a broader thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk despite longstanding Western criticism of Belarus’s human rights record.

Russia and China, both permanent veto-holding members of the U.N. Security Council, have not yet confirmed whether they will join, with diplomats suggesting caution due to concerns about undermining the United Nations.

Trump has dismissed suggestions that the Board of Peace is meant to replace the U.N., stating that the world body should continue its work while his initiative explores alternative pathways to conflict resolution.

Several close U.S. allies have either declined or expressed hesitation, with Norway and Sweden formally rejecting participation and Italy raising constitutional concerns about joining a board led by a single foreign leader.

France is expected to decline as well, prompting Trump to warn of potential trade retaliation, while Canada has agreed in principle but said further discussions are needed on the details.

Ukraine has said it is reviewing the invitation but expressed doubts about joining any forum that might include Russia, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding the initiative.

As debate continues, diplomats and analysts remain divided over whether the Board of Peace represents a bold diplomatic experiment or a challenge to established international norms.

The invitation comes at a delicate moment in India–US relations, with bilateral ties facing pressure over unresolved trade disputes.

Despite growing strategic cooperation in areas such as defense, technology and Indo-Pacific security, negotiations have stalled over tariffs on Indian exports to the United States, which are currently subject to levies of up to 50 percent, among the highest imposed by Washington.

This backdrop adds complexity to India’s consideration of Trump’s peace initiative.

According to the source, it remains unclear whether India will accept the invitation. New Delhi’s foreign ministry has not publicly commented, reflecting the cautious approach India often adopts when balancing diplomatic engagement with major powers against its own strategic autonomy.

India has traditionally supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict while maintaining close ties with Israel and longstanding support for Palestinian rights.

Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative is envisioned as a multinational platform bringing together governments to explore pathways to conflict resolution, with Gaza positioned as its initial focus.

The US president has reportedly extended invitations to around 60 countries, signaling an attempt to give the initiative global legitimacy.

Among those invited is Pakistan, India’s neighbor and regional rival, which has already indicated it would engage in international efforts aimed at peace and security in Gaza.

For India, participation could offer both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, joining the initiative would allow New Delhi to project itself as a responsible global actor committed to peace-building, aligning with its broader aspirations to play a larger diplomatic role on the world stage.

On the other hand, involvement in a US-led mechanism during a period of trade friction could be seen domestically and internationally as politically sensitive.

India’s relationship with the Gaza conflict has been carefully calibrated. While condemning civilian casualties and calling for humanitarian access, India has also strengthened defense and technological cooperation with Israel over the past decade.

Any formal role in a peace board would require New Delhi to navigate these relationships carefully, ensuring it does not appear to tilt too far toward any single camp.

Analysts note that Trump’s outreach to India may also reflect Washington’s recognition of New Delhi’s growing influence, particularly among developing nations and in forums such as the G20 and the Global South.

India’s experience in peacekeeping missions, conflict mediation, and humanitarian assistance could add credibility to any multilateral peace initiative, even if its actual impact on the ground remains uncertain.

The timing of the invitation is also significant given the broader geopolitical landscape. With conflicts stretching from the Middle East to Eastern Europe and heightened competition among major powers, diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation carry both symbolic and strategic weight.

For the United States, securing participation from countries like India could help counter criticism that its Middle East policies lack broad international backing.

Whether India ultimately joins the Board of Peace may depend on several factors, including clarity on the initiative’s mandate, decision-making structure, and alignment with India’s foreign policy principles.

New Delhi is likely to assess whether participation would offer tangible diplomatic leverage or risk entangling it in initiatives over which it has limited influence.

The invitation nonetheless underscores India’s rising profile in global diplomacy. How New Delhi responds could signal its approach to balancing strategic partnerships with independent foreign policy choices.

Led by Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Defense Minister, and Intelligence Chief, the delegation’s visit reflects President Tayyip Erdogan’s commitment to strengthening peace diplomacy. The talks aim to foster understanding and build sustainable partnerships that support security, development, and regional harmony.

This move follows President Erdogan’s meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Baku, where both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision of solidarity and friendship. They expressed optimism that collaboration between Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan could create a roadmap for reconciliation and regional progress rooted in dialogue rather than division.

The peace mission signifies a major step toward rebuilding trust in South Asia. Turkey has long been recognized as a bridge between nations and cultures, and its involvement symbolizes impartial diplomacy focused on harmony. By acting as a mediator, Turkey is helping create a safe platform for honest discussions and shared goals between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s role is equally vital, as the country seeks to stabilize its borders and enhance cooperation with Afghanistan. The Pakistani government’s commitment to peaceful negotiation demonstrates a clear shift from tension to constructive engagement. Both nations recognize that sustainable peace can unlock economic growth and strengthen the security of millions of people across the region.

Afghanistan, too, stands at the heart of this process. After years of conflict, the country now has an opportunity to move forward toward reconstruction and reconciliation. The ongoing talks aim to ensure that peace reaches every corner of Afghan society, giving communities the stability they need to rebuild homes, schools, and livelihoods.

This tripartite engagement has already drawn global attention for its positive momentum. It shows that regional cooperation, when rooted in trust and mutual respect, can overcome historic challenges. Diplomats and observers around the world see this initiative as a model for future peace-building efforts in other regions facing conflict.

Economic collaboration will also be central to the discussions. Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are exploring opportunities to strengthen trade routes, infrastructure projects, and energy partnerships that will benefit all three countries. By linking peace efforts with development goals, the nations are emphasizing that prosperity and stability must go hand in hand.

President Erdogan’s leadership has positioned Turkey as a strong advocate for peaceful diplomacy. His government continues to prioritize humanitarian values, regional balance, and constructive partnerships. This approach has earned Turkey recognition as a reliable peace partner in the Muslim world and beyond.

For Pakistan, the summit presents a chance to reinforce its reputation as a peace-promoting nation. Prime Minister Sharif’s administration is determined to transform the region’s narrative from one of instability to one of growth and cooperation. By partnering with Turkey and Afghanistan, Pakistan seeks to secure lasting harmony that benefits both its citizens and the broader region.

Afghanistan’s participation highlights its growing readiness to engage diplomatically. The country’s leaders understand that true sovereignty and progress come from dialogue, inclusion, and mutual respect. The peace framework being discussed could help end cycles of violence and usher in a new era of reconstruction and unity.

As the world watches these talks unfold, optimism is rising that this alliance could redefine South Asian geopolitics. Turkey’s mediation, Pakistan’s cooperation, and Afghanistan’s openness mark a hopeful new phase for regional stability. Together, they stand poised to show that peace is not only possible but achievable through shared vision and collective effort.

The proposed tunnel, spanning approximately 70 miles (112 kilometers), would link Russia’s Chukotka region with the U.S. state of Alaska, creating the first-ever direct land and rail connection between the two continents.

With an estimated cost of $8 billion, Dmitriev envisions funding from Moscow and international partners, emphasizing the project’s potential to unlock joint exploration of natural resources, boost trade, and strengthen cultural and scientific exchange.

Described as “a bridge between worlds,” the tunnel reflects a long-standing global dream to unite East and West through engineering marvels and peaceful cooperation. “Imagine connecting the U.S. and Russia — the Americas and Afro-Eurasia — with a symbol of unity,” Dmitriev wrote on X. “The time has come to connect the continents for the first time in human history.”

A Modern Engineering Milestone

Dmitriev, who leads Russia’s Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), highlighted the technological feasibility of the project, suggesting that Elon Musk’s The Boring Company could spearhead the construction using advanced tunneling technologies.

Musk’s firm, known for revolutionizing underground transport systems, could significantly reduce costs and construction time, transforming what was once a century-old dream into a modern-day possibility.

According to Dmitriev, conventional construction methods would have placed the cost at over $65 billion, but Musk’s tunneling innovations could bring that down to under $8 billion and complete the link in less than eight years.

The project would also open new avenues for AI-driven logistics, renewable energy transport, and eco-friendly trade, further aligning with global goals for sustainable development.

The proposal comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between world leaders. Following a recent phone conversation between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, both sides have expressed interest in exploring projects that promote economic collaboration and stability.

Dmitriev framed the tunnel as a modern continuation of past peace efforts — noting that a similar concept, the “Kennedy-Khrushchev World Peace Bridge,” was once discussed during the Cold War as a gesture of reconciliation.

“The dream of a U.S.–Russia link via the Bering Strait is not just about infrastructure,” Dmitriev emphasized. “It is about hope, cooperation, and human progress.”

The ambitious plan has drawn widespread curiosity and optimism from global investors, policymakers, and engineers. Environmental experts have also highlighted the potential for sustainable Arctic development, as the project could integrate renewable energy systems, fiber-optic data routes, and green shipping infrastructure across the strait.

In Washington, the idea was met with intrigue. President Trump described it as “interesting,” while emphasizing that innovation-driven cooperation between major powers can create lasting economic benefits.

Analysts say such a project could revitalize Arctic economies, generate thousands of jobs, and establish a strategic trade corridor linking North America, Europe, and Asia.

Uniting Continents, Inspiring Generations

Beyond its economic promise, the “Putin-Trump Tunnel” embodies a powerful message of global unity. It would be the first physical link joining Eurasia and the Americas, symbolizing the potential of peaceful collaboration even amid global challenges.

Dmitriev pointed to RDIF’s successful role in constructing the Russia–China railroad bridge, saying, “We’ve already connected nations through infrastructure. Now, it’s time to connect continents.”

If realized, the project could reshape global logistics, shorten trade routes, and mark a new era of connectivity — one defined not by division, but by vision, innovation, and shared humanity.

As Dmitriev summarized: “The Bering Strait Tunnel would stand as a monument to what humanity can achieve when nations choose to build together, rather than apart — a tunnel not just through land, but through history itself.”