Key Points

The Ministry of External Affairs organized a special diplomatic reception in New Delhi to introduce India's candidate for the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea. Ambassador Sibi George hosted ambassadors and high commissioners from UNCLOS member states for this important event. During the reception, India reaffirmed its commitment to a free and rules-based maritime order. Prof Bimal N Patel, a renowned maritime law expert, is India's candidate for the ITLOS judge position for the 2026-2035 term.

Key Points: India Nominates Bimal Patel for ITLOS Judge 2026-2035 Term

  • Ambassador Sibi George hosted diplomatic reception for UNCLOS member states
  • India reaffirmed commitment to rules-based maritime order
  • Dr Patel currently serves on International Law Commission
  • Event attended by ambassadors and high commissioners from member countries
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MEA hosts diplomatic reception to introduce Prof Bimal N Patel as India's candidate for ITLOS Judge

MEA hosts diplomatic reception to introduce Prof Bimal N Patel as India's candidate for International Tribunal on the Law of Sea judge position for 2026-2035 term.

"Diplomatic reception hosted by Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge to introduce Prof (Dr) Bimal N Patel, India's candidate for the post of Judge, International Tribunal on Law of Sea for term 2026-35 - MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, October 10

Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), hosted a diplomatic reception in New Delhi to introduce Prof Bimal N Patel as India's candidate for the post of a Judge at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term.

"Diplomatic reception hosted by Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge to introduce Prof (Dr) Bimal N Patel, India's candidate for the post of Judge, International Tribunal on Law of the Sea for term 2026-35 to the Ambassadors/ High Commissioners and other diplomatic representatives of UNCLOS Member States in New Delhi," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X on Thursday.

The reception, organised by the MEA, was attended by Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomatic representatives of Member States of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

During the event, Ambassador George reaffirmed India's commitment to a free, fair, transparent and rules-based maritime order.

Dr Patel, a prominent Indian legal scholar in the field of maritime law, currently serves as a member of the International Law Commission and is also the Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University in Gujarat.

"At the event, Secretary reiterated India's commitment to free, fair, transparent and rules based maritime order. Dr Patel, a leading Indian legal luminary in the field of maritime law, is currently a member of International Law Commission & also the Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University in Gujarat," MEA spokesperson Jaiswal added in his post.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is a strategic move by India. With increasing maritime disputes in our region, having an Indian judge at ITLOS will strengthen our position. Prof Patel's credentials are impressive - ILC member and VC of a security university.
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Sarah B
While Prof Patel seems qualified, I wonder if we're doing enough to promote younger legal experts too. The diplomatic reception is good, but we need sustained efforts to build India's presence in international legal bodies.
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Arjun K
India's commitment to rules-based maritime order is crucial for our blue economy. Prof Patel's experience will help shape international maritime law in ways that benefit developing nations. Good initiative by MEA! 🌊
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Kavya N
As someone from Gujarat, proud to see our academic leaders representing India globally! Prof Patel's work at Rashtriya Raksha University shows his understanding of both legal and security aspects of maritime affairs.
M
Michael C
Important development for India's soft power. Having representation in international tribunals like ITLOS enhances our global standing. Hope other countries support Prof Patel's candidature.

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