The Centre for International Investment and Trade Laws (CIITL), formerly known as the Centre for International Trade and Economic Laws, is a research Centre at the Jindal Global Law School. The vision of the Centre is to promote research, writing, and dialogue on international economic law, with a special emphasis on international investment and trade laws. As an emerging major power in the world, India not only needs to build a capacity in the area of international economic laws but also conduct research that may lead to better policy outcomes.
In this regard, the Centre will further research by initiating research projects on relevant and contemporary issues in these areas, as well as creating a regular and continuous working paper series. To further research collaboration and outreach, the Centre will be organizing regular conferences and workshops on various aspects of international economic law and undertake several capacity-building workshops/events. The Centre aims to work with several stakeholders such as law firms, researchers, academicians, civil society, and the industry.
Joint Research Project on “Sustainability Indicator” for International Investment Agreements with Macquarie University
To accelerate economic growth, States enter into International Investment Agreements for the purpose of attracting foreign investors. At times the sustainability of these investments becomes challenging owing to issues like inequality, human rights abuses, and environmental pollution. To address these impending issues, researchers at the Centre for Environmental Law (CEL) of Macquarie University and Centre for International Investment and Trade Law (CIITL) of Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) of OP Jindal Global University are collaborating to develop a “sustainability indicator” that may be applied to assess the sustainability of international investment agreements. The project will apply the sustainability indicator to all investment agreements (i.e., bilateral investment treaties and investment chapters in free trade agreements) negotiated by India and then develop concrete recommendations to the Indian government to balance often competing objectives of investor protection and encourage responsible investor conduct.
Books
Journal Articles
Book Chapters
Op-Eds
Dr. Prabhash Ranjan
Co-Director
Dr. James J. Nedumpara
Co-Director
Dr. Aveek Chakravarty
Assistant Director
Dr. Pallavi Kishore
Senior Fellow
Avirup Bose
Senior Fellow
Oiswarjya Basu
Fellow
Ruby Panchal
Fellow
Bhawna Kataria
Fellow
The Centre promotes discussion, research and scholarship in the field of international investment and trade laws
Exploratory Workshop on ‘Sustainability of Investment Agreements: Case of India’ (5 November 2022)
On November 5, 2022, CIITL, in collaboration with Macquarie Law School, Macquarie University, organised a one-day exploratory workshop on ‘Sustainability of Investment Agreements: Case of India’. The workshop saw the participation of various stakeholders from the government, academia, law firms, and the industry. Mr. Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, delivered the key-note address. Professor Surya Deva from Macquarie University spoke about the project.
Other speakers included, Mr. Pranav Kumar (Reliance Industries); Professor James Nedumpara (Centre for International Trade and Investment Laws, IIFT); Mr. Tamal Mandal (Luthra and Luthra Law Offices); Ms Fereshte Sethna (DMD Advocates); Dr. Daniel Mathew (National Law University Delhi); Dr. Ajay Kumar Sharma (Faculty of Law, Delhi University); Ms. Ramya Raman (P&A Law Offices); Mr. George Pothan (Ministry of External Affairs); and Mr. Madhav Mallya (Jindal Global Law School).
by Prof. Dr. Steffen Hindelang organised by Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution in collaboration with Centre for International Investment and Trade Laws. He is a Professor at Uppsala University and an ICSID Arbitrator. The guest lecture is scheduled for the 27th of August from 4:30 to 5:30 PM.
Venue: Performing Arts Academy, Prithviraj Jindal Academic Block (T1), First Floor
Short bio of the speaker:
Steffen Hindelang is Professor of International Investment and Trade Law at Uppsala University in Sweden. He is also the Executive Director of the CELIS Institute, an independent, non-profit, non-partisan research enterprise dedicated to promoting better regulation of foreign investment in the context of security, public order and competitiveness. Steffen has advised the EU, European governments as well as companies on investment review regimes, international investment disputes, and international organisations on the reform of the current international investment law regime. He has been repeatedly invited by the European Parliament’s INTA Committee to prepare studies on the development of the EU’s Common Commercial Policy. He frequently acts as an expert advisor before international tribunals and national courts and has served as an ICSID arbitrator
Guest: Prof. (Dr.) B S Chimni, Distinguished Professor of International Law
Date and Time: 16th October 2024, 4-6 PM
Venue: Imaginarium, Ground Floor, Savitri Jindal Faculty Office Block
Description: Prof. (Dr.) B.S. Chimni delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Towards a Peoples Centered International and Economic Law: Impediments and Way Forward.’ The lecture focused on reimagining the international economic law system, which prioritizes the welfare and interests of people, rather than state-centric or corporate-driven agendas. Prof. (Dr.) Chimni critically examined the existing structures and frameworks of international economic law that often overlook marginalized communities, underdeveloped nations, and the global poor. The event was attended by academicians and students. The lecture was followed by a discussion amongst the attendees and the speaker. The discussion focused on various impediments to achieving a people-centered approach, such as entrenched power imbalances, economic globalization, and the influence of multinational corporations in shaping legal norms. The discussion further highlighted the need for reforming global economic institutions, promoting social justice, and ensuring that international law serves the broader goal of human dignity, equality, and sustainable development.
-B-S-Chimni,-Distinguished-Professor-of-International-Law.jpg)
Guests:
Discussants:
Moderator:
Prof. Aakanksha Kumar
Date and Time: 23rd October 2024, 4-6 PM
Venue: Imaginarium, Ground Floor, Savitri Jindal Faculty Office Block
Description: The event was a book discussion on ‘India and Investor-State Dispute Settlement: Affronting Sovereignty or Indicting Capriciousness?’ authored by our Centre's Director, Prof. (Dr.) Prabhash Ranjan, and published by Routledge in 2024. The session featured an exceptional panel of experts in International Law, who explored the nuances of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) and its implications for India's sovereignty and international legal relations. Our esteemed panelists, Prof. (Dr.) Chimni, Prof. Abhijit Das, Ms. Niyati Gandhi, and Prof. (Dr.) Daniel Mathew, shared their valuable insights, enriching the conversation with perspectives from academia and legal practice. Moderated by Prof. Aakanksha Kumar, the discussion highlighted key issues surrounding the challenges and opportunities India faces in navigating ISDS mechanisms, reflecting on the delicate balance between protecting national interests and fostering a favorable investment climate. The event was attended by academicians and students who actively engaged in the discussions, raising thoughtful questions and offering their perspectives on the subject matter.
Guest:
Speaker: Mr. Baiju Vasani, Barrister, Twenty Essex Chambers
Discussant: Prof. (Dr.) Prabhash Ranjan, Professor, JGLS
Moderator: Prof. Oiswarjya Basu, Assistant Professor, JGLS
Date and Time: 7th November 2024; 4-6PM
Venue: F57, Global Auditorium, Ratan Jindal Academic Block (T3)
Guest:
Speaker: Prof. (Dr.) Ylli Dautaj, Visiting Associate Professor, Penn State Law
Moderator: Prof. (Dr.) Prabhash Ranjan, Professor, JGLS
Date and Time: 6th March 2025; 4-6PM
Venue: Imaginarium, Ground Floor, Savitri Jindal Faculty Office Block
Description: Prof. (Dr.) Ylli Dautaj, Visiting Associate Professor at Penn State Law, delivered a lecture on the topic, ‘Legitimacy Crisis in Investment Arbitration’. In his talk, Prof. Dautaj explored various factors undermining the legitimacy of investment arbitration. He discussed that the frameworks of international investment laws are vital for creating a stable and predictable environment for global investment. The session was moderated by the Centre’s Director, Prof. (Dr.) Prabhash Ranjan, who guided the conversation and facilitated a thoughtful exchange of ideas. The session was attended by academicians and students, who engaged in a lively discussion with Prof. Dautaj. The interactive session allowed for a deeper exploration of the issues surrounding the legitimacy crisis in investment arbitration and the potential solutions to ensure its future sustainability.
-Ylli-Dautaj,-Visiting-Associate-Professor,-Penn-State-Law.jpg)
Email: citel@jgu.edu.in