RAIPUR: Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, concluded the three-day International Trade Law Summit (ITLS) 2026 on October 4, 2026. The summit focused on the theme “The WTO@30: Reimagining Multilateralism in International Trade Law.”
The final day featured a panel discussion with Sumantha Choudhary, Principal Advisor – Trade Policy, CII; Dr A K Garg, Head of the Digital Tech-Law Division at Anand & Anand; Prof Anthony Cambas, trade law expert from Mississippi; and Divyashri Suri, Associate Partner – International Trade at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys. The panelists examined challenges facing the global trading system and possible pathways toward institutional renewal.
Speaking at the valedictory session, HNLU Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) V C Vivekanandan stated that multilateralism faces fragmentation amid global political shifts. He noted that while bilateral and regional arrangements serve a purpose, they cannot replace a multilateral framework. He added that multilateral agreements must not be dictated by a few nations, pointing to the growing role of BRICS in the global economic order.
Chief Guest Suhail Naithani of Economic Law Practice stated that multilateralism must demonstrate tangible benefits to remain relevant. Citing India’s experience with bilateral investment treaties, he noted their practical value while adding that multilateral systems remain necessary when they deliver equitable results.
Guest of Honour PVS Giridhar, Senior Advocate at the Madras High Court, highlighted the role of legal professionals in shaping international trade agreements and stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional values in legal processes.
Earlier, Dean Research Prof Vishnu Koonarayar welcomed the gathering, while Dr Ankit Awasthi, Convenor of ITLS and Head of the Centre for WTO & WIPO, presented a report on the three-day event. Dr Awasthi announced that the next edition will be held in early October 2027, alongside the launch of the International Trade Law & Development Journal.
The summit included 12 technical sessions covering digital trade, artificial intelligence, climate change, dispute settlement and trade security, along with a mock WTO exercise for students.
Organising committee members Ms Urvi Srivastava, Dr Debmita Mondal, Dr Ankit Singh, and student volunteers contributed to managing the event. Kruthika Senthil Kumar, a student team member, delivered the vote of thanks.
