"Fitting occasion to reflect on India's contribution": MEA on UNCITRAL's 60th anniversary
New Delhi, July 26
The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday said the international conference marking the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law was "a fitting occasion to reflect on India's contribution" to the development of international trade law.
In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela participated in the valedictory session of the conference, which was co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Supreme Court of India, and UNCITRAL.
"It was a fitting occasion to reflect on India's contribution and collaboration with UNCITRAL in the development of international trade law," the MEA said in the post.
Earlier on Friday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called for a harmonised, rules-based legal architecture to safeguard global trade against growing geopolitical volatility, supply chain disruptions, and rapid technological shifts.
Delivering the inaugural address at an international conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), Jaishankar emphasised that in today's transforming global landscape, nations are seeking legal predictability above all else.
"Today's world is witnessing unprecedented geopolitical volatility, supply chain disruptions, rapid technological shifts," Jaishankar told the gathering of international delegates, jurists, and legal experts. "And these developments are affecting how goods, services, capital, and data move across borders, exposing businesses and governments to risks for which no country can be resilient in isolation."
Addressing the evolving dynamics of international trade, the minister stressed that legal development cannot remain insulated from changing global realities. He noted that standardised legal frameworks are critical to keeping cross-border flows moving reliably amidst systemic uncertainty.
"What nations are seeking is not just infrastructure and connectivity, but most of all legal predictability," Jaishankar asserted. "They are looking for harmonized, rules-based architecture that ensures the trades, data flows and contracts enforcement are seamless across borders and continents. With harmonized legal frameworks, efficient dispute-resolution mechanisms, and greater certainty in cross-border transactions, that UNCITRAL in particular is advancing, trade and cross-border commerce can remain resilient even amidst all these disruptions."
Looking toward the future, Jaishankar pointed to the shifting global economic centre of gravity, insisting that tomorrow's legal architecture must become more democratic, inclusive, and attuned to the needs of developing nations.
UNCITRAL, established by the United Nations, plays a central role in promoting the harmonisation and modernisation of international trade law by developing legislative and non-legislative instruments to facilitate cross-border trade and investment.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, our legal minds are getting global recognition! India's contribution to international trade law has been understated for too long. Kudos to EAM Jaishankar for pushing for a rules-based architecture that includes developing nations. The world needs more voices like ours 🌍
While I appreciate the diplomatic achievement, I hope this isn't just a photo op. India needs to focus on domestic legal reforms first—our commercial courts are still backlogged. What's the point of harmonised international law if our own system creaks along at a snail's pace? 🤔
Jaishankar's point about legal predictability is spot on. As a law student, I see how uncertainty in trade rules hurts small exporters back home. UNCITRAL's work on e-commerce and digital trade is especially relevant for India's startup ecosystem. More awareness needed among local businesses!
Proud moment indeed! But I'm cautious—global trade laws often favour developed nations. India must ensure our interests are protected in these frameworks, especially on data flows and digital trade. The "rules-based architecture" should not become a tool for the West to control markets.
As someone working in international trade, this is excellent news! India has been a key player in UNCITRAL for decades—our legal experts contribute significantly to model laws on arbitration and insolvency. More Indian judges and scholars should be at these tables! 👨⚖️🌏
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