Meet Indian-Origin Ajay Banga appointed in Gaza’s “Board of Peace” constituted by Trump
Washington: The White House on Friday announced the formation of a “Board of Peace” under US President Donald Trump to oversee the temporary governance of Gaza, even as violence continues in the Palestinian territory despite a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since October.
According to the White House, the newly constituted board will be chaired by President Trump and includes Indian-origin World Bank Group President Ajay Banga as one of its members. The announcement comes amid ongoing instability in Gaza, marked by sporadic clashes and persistent security concerns.
Ajay Banga, 66, is currently the 14th President of the World Bank Group. He was nominated by former US President Joe Biden in February 2023 and confirmed to a five-year term in May the same year. He formally assumed office on June 2, 2023.
Banga completed his undergraduate studies in economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, in 1981, before pursuing a postgraduate programme in management at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. He began his career as an intern with Nestlé in India and spent over a decade with the company, holding senior roles in sales and marketing.
In 1994, he joined PepsiCo as head of marketing for its snacks division in India. He later moved to Citigroup, where he rose through the ranks of the global consumer banking business and eventually served as CEO of Citigroup Asia Pacific in 2008. Prior to taking charge at the World Bank, Banga was elected chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce in 2020.
Born in Khadki, Maharashtra, to a Sikh family, Banga is the son of an Indian Army officer, a background that led his family to move frequently across the country. He is married to Ritu Banga, an alumna of IIM Ahmedabad, who is associated with the education and business sectors.
The White House said the Board of Peace has been set up to implement Phase Two of President Trump’s plan to end the Gaza conflict. This phase includes a 20-point roadmap aimed at bringing peace, stability, reconstruction and long-term development to the region. The board is expected to provide strategic oversight, mobilise international resources and ensure accountability during Gaza’s transition from conflict.
However, the White House did not spell out the specific roles of individual members of the founding executive board. It also confirmed that no Palestinian representatives have been included so far. According to a Reuters report, additional members of the board are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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PM Modi speaks to Iranian president, discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.
Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.
