The inaugural edition of the CTIL DSNLU-MCIA Vis Pre-Moot 2025 commenced with great enthusiasm, bringing together teams from across the country to refine their advocacy and arbitration skills. As a preparatory event for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, the Pre-Moot provided participants with a platform to engage with experienced arbitrators and gain deeper insights into international arbitration.
This event was made possible through the support of esteemed organizations. The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), the Principal Sponsor, has played a crucial role in shaping India’s international trade and investment law landscape. The Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration (MCIA), our Supporting Partner, further reinforced the commitment to strengthening arbitration in India.
The event was hosted by the Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR), DSNLU, dedicated to promoting ADR mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation, and negotiation. SCC Online and SCC Times, our Media Partner, ensured comprehensive coverage through live updates and reporting. Jus Mundi, the Knowledge Partner, contributed valuable research resources, offering exclusive access to the winners of the Pre-Moot.
Additionally, Careers in Arbitration, Digital Coffee Break in Arbitration, and Indian Women in International Arbitration (IWIA) lent their support in fostering inclusivity and professional growth in arbitration. The Moot Alumni Association (MAA) further enriched the event through its mentorship and expertise.
The day began with an engaging panel discussion, where distinguished experts shared their insights on key arbitration issues. This was followed by the inaugural ceremony, which was graced by esteemed dignitaries, marking the formal commencement of the Pre-Moot. With the groundwork set, the stage is now prepared for the exciting rounds ahead!
CTIL-DSNLU PANEL DISCUSSION ON STATE OWNED ENTERPRISES, GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT, AND COMPETITION NEUTRALITY: NAVIGATING TRADE POLICY, AND MARKET ACCESS IN A CHANGING GLOBAL LANDSCAPE
On the morning of February 21, 2025, CTIL-DSNLU hosted an insightful panel discussion organized by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL). Titled “State-Owned Enterprises, Government Procurement, and Competition Neutrality: Navigating Trade Policy and Market Access in a Changing Global Landscape,” the event brought together distinguished legal scholars, competition law experts, and industry professionals to analyze the evolving role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and critical issues surrounding government procurement.
Prof. Dr. James J. Nedumpara, Head of CTIL at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, opened the session by highlighting the dual role of SOEs as instruments of public policy and dynamic market players. Reflecting on Nehru’s description of public sector undertakings as “temples of modern India,” he observed that although SOEs have become economically vital, preferential conditions can distort market competition. He stressed that ensuring competitive neutrality—where SOEs compete on equal footing with private firms—is essential for transparency and fair trade.
Advocate Mr. GR Bhatia, a veteran in competition law with experience at the Competition Commission of India, elaborated on the market implications of SOEs and government procurement. Noting that SOEs contribute roughly 22% to the national GDP, he explained that historic exemptions have evolved, necessitating compliance with modern competition laws. Mr. Bhatia addressed concerns such as bid rigging, collusive tendering, and other anti-competitive practices that hinder market access for new entrants, underscoring the need to update regulatory frameworks to prevent trade distortions.
Ms. Neelambera Sandeepan from Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan delved into the challenge of distinguishing between the commercial and sovereign functions of SOEs. She emphasized that while sectors like defense retain sovereign status, many SOEs operate as statutory monopolies subject to competition law. She warned that opaque government procurement processes could restrict access for foreign suppliers and entrench dominant market positions, calling for robust oversight aligned with international standards such as the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement.
Contributions from emerging professionals Ms. Priyansha Hajela and Ms. Preetkiran Kaur provided further perspectives on jurisdictional differences and global best practices. They compared regulatory approaches across regions and stressed the importance of clear disclosure and accountability to ensure that state support does not translate into unfair market advantages. Their insights suggested that while India has made commendable progress in competition regulation, further refinements are needed to balance state intervention with free-market principles.
The discussion concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to address specific queries on competitive neutrality and market access. The session was formally closed with a vote of thanks by Prof. Jogi Naidu, Faculty Convenor of CADR at DSNLU, who lauded the event for its comprehensive analysis and forward-looking dialogue.
Overall, the panel provided a critical forum for reexamining the regulatory landscape affecting SOEs and government procurement. By fostering an informed debate on competitive neutrality, the event set the stage for future policy enhancements aimed at sustaining a level playing field in an increasingly complex global trade environment. The discussion resonated with stakeholders.
INAUGRAL CEREMONY
The ceremony began with a speech by Prof. Dr. Surya Prakash Rao, Vice-Chancellor of DSNLU, who lauded the competition and discussed the evolution of international trade. Mr. Ridhish Rajvanshi, senior research fellow of CTIL followed, offering congratulations and insights on the organization’s work. The event concluded with vote of thanks by the faculty and student convenors.
On the 22nd, we will begin with three rounds of intense preliminary arguments, where teams will showcase their skills in international arbitration. This will be followed by a special event hosted by the Moot Alumni Association (MAA) — ‘A Session on the Art of Oral Advocacy,’ featuring Dr. Navin G. Ahuja, who will offer valuable insights into oral advocacy with a particular focus on arbitrators’ expectations.
On the 23rd, we move into the Semi-finals, leading up to the much-anticipated Finals later in the day. We are also proud to host the launch of the Indian Women in International Arbitration’s (IWIA) ‘Udaan Campus Ambassador Program’, followed by an engaging Fireside Chat with Ms. Manini Brar, offering her unique perspectives on the evolving landscape of international arbitration. We will conclude this remarkable journey with the Valedictory Ceremony and a Gala Dinner, celebrating the spirit of mooting and arbitration excellence.
