00:00Today's world is witnessing unprecedented geopolitical volatility, supply chain disruptions,
00:07rapid technological shifts. And these developments are affecting how goods, services, capital and
00:15data move across borders amidst the fast-changing global landscape. Development of international
00:21law therefore cannot remain insulated. What nations are seeking is not just infrastructure
00:29and connectivity, but most of all, legal predictability. With harmonized legal frameworks, efficient dispute
00:36resolution mechanisms, and greater certainty in cross-border transactions that Uncetral in
00:42particular is advancing, trade and cross-border commerce can remain resilient even amidst all
00:49this disruption.
00:51Honourable Chief Justice of India, Justice Suryakanji, Honourable Judges of the Supreme Court,
00:57my ministerial colleague, Shri Arjun Ram Meghalji, Leonard Attorney General of India, Shriar Venkatramaniji,
01:06Secretary of Uncetral, Ms. Anarjava Brett, distinguished guests from the legal world abroad, from judges,
01:16participants, ladies and gentlemen, namaskar, a very good evening to all of you. It's a great pleasure
01:22for me today to speak to this distinguished gathering convened to commemorate a major milestone,
01:28which is the 60th anniversary of Uncetral. I extend a particularly warm welcome to our international
01:36delegates who have traveled from across the world to join us to mark this important occasion.
01:43Over the past six decades, Uncetral has emerged as one of the most successful institutions within
01:51the UN system. Through its modern laws, conventions, legislative guides, and legal standards, it has
01:58significantly contributed to the harmonization, modernization, and progressive development of
02:05international trade law. As the world economy undergoes profound transformation driven by technological
02:13change, digital commerce, evolving supply chains, and new patterns of investment, the work of Uncetral
02:20has acquired even greater relevance. The Commission has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt to
02:29emerging realities while preserving the principles of inclusivity, consensus, and respect for diverse
02:37legal traditions. Many of you are aware that India's association with Uncetral has been both
02:45long-standing and substantive. As one of eight countries that holds continuous membership of Uncetral,
02:52India has actively contributed to the evolution of international trade law across several areas. Our
02:58domestic legal framework has similarly drawn inspiration from Uncetral instruments. Successive reforms
03:05in arbitration, commercial dispute resolution, and insolvency reflect India's unwavering commitment to
03:12creating a modern, transparent, and internationally compatible legal environment. Today, India is one of the
03:22fastest-growing major economies. Our vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 that has developed India is founded on a resilient
03:32economy, technological innovation, expanded manufacturing, and deeper integration with the global economy. But achieving these
03:42objectives requires predictable legal frameworks that facilitate international trade, investment, and commercial
03:49cooperation. India has consistently supported Uncetral's consensus-based approach. Our active engagement across its working
03:59groups reflect our conviction that international legal norms must be shaped through inclusive dialogue and broad
04:06participation. Developing countries in the global south have an important stake in ensuring that the evolution of
04:14international trade law reflects their developmental priorities as well as practical realities.
04:23Distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, today's world is witnessing unprecedented geopolitical
04:31volatility, supply chain disruptions, rapid technological shifts. And these developments are affecting how goods,
04:40services, capital, and data move across borders, exposing businesses and governments to risks for which
04:50no country can be resilient in isolation. Amidst the fast-changing global landscape,
04:57development of international law therefore cannot remain insulated. What nations are seeking is not just
05:05infrastructure and connectivity, but most of all, legal predictability. They are looking for harmonized
05:12rules-based architecture that ensures that trades, data flows, and contracts enforcement are
05:19seamless across borders and continents. With harmonized legal frameworks, efficient dispute resolution
05:26mechanisms, and greater certainty in cross-border transactions that Uncetral in particular is advancing,
05:34trade and cross-border commerce can remain resilient even amidst all this disruption. Further, as the economic
05:43centre of gravity shifts, the legal architecture of tomorrow must be more democratic, inclusive and
05:50sensitive to the realities of the global south. Uncetral's important mission in its next chapter will be
05:58to ensure that international trade law acts as a leveller, bridging the gap between the developed and the developing economies.
06:08I am confident that the deliberations over the coming days that you will all undertake will generate
06:15fresh ideas and fresh thoughts, strengthen partnerships, and contribute meaningfully to Uncetral's future work.
06:22I particularly hope that this conference inspires even greater engagement from our region and encourages the
06:30next generation of legal scholars, jurists, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute to the progressive
06:37development of international trade law. I congratulate the Uncetral Secretariat on this landmark anniversary
06:44and felicitate the Honourable Chief Justice of India, the Supreme Court of India, and all those whose efforts have made
06:52this
06:53conference possible. I wish the delegates a very productive conference and a very enjoyable stay in India. Thank you.
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