The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) celebrated its 9th anniversary at the Prime Minister's Museum and Library in New Delhi on October 7, 2026. Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal, in a video address, emphasized that established rules are being questioned while emerging issues such as sustainability-linked trade measures and digital trade are reshaping the global trade agenda, making rigorous legal thinking more important than ever. He noted that CTIL has earned the trust of the government, industry, and wider trade law community through sustained work and has contributed to the Department of Commerce through legal analysis and specialized support in free trade agreement negotiations, dispute settlement, and institutional memory building.
Justice P. S. Narasimha of the Supreme Court of India observed that international investment law has evolved from focusing on foreign investment protection toward greater recognition of states' regulatory freedom, now entering a phase where institutionalization, legitimacy, and balance between investment and public power are significant. He underscored the need for a durable framework balancing investment protection with state regulatory authority.
CTIL Head Prof. James J. Nedumpara highlighted that CTIL was established to strengthen India's trade capacity as part of economic statecraft and has provided over 4,000 legal opinions, participated in negotiations concerning nearly 10 free trade agreements, and contributed to WTO negotiations, submissions, notifications, and dispute settlement. Additional Secretary Shri Yashvir Singh highlighted CTIL's contributions to major trade engagements including free trade agreements and G20 and BRICS engagements, while Vice Chancellor Dr. K. Rangarajan recalled CTIL's evolution and growing role in trade negotiations. Joint Secretary Smt. Kapil Chaudhary emphasized CTIL's expanding research in emerging areas including critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, supply chains, climate, and sustainability.
During the event, CTIL released its ninth anniversary magazine titled "The Emerging Sustainability Landscape: Responding to Shifting Winds," which examines opportunities and challenges for developing countries at the intersection of trade and sustainability. A special anniversary edition of Investment Law Compass, CTIL's monthly newsletter on investment law and policy developments, was also launched. Distinguished Long Service Awards were presented to CTIL faculty and staff members.