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.
Day 2 Update — CTIL DSNLU MCIA Vis Pre-Moot
The second day of the CTIL DSNLU MCIA Vis Pre-Moot commenced with the preliminary rounds, where teams engaged in intense argumentation, showcasing their legal acumen and advocacy skills.
Before the final preliminary round, participants and university students had the opportunity to attend an insightful session by Mr. Navin G. Ahuja, Co-President of the Moot Alumni Association (MAA). The session, titled “The Art of Oral Advocacy with a Special Focus on Arbitrators’ Expectations,” provided valuable guidance on effective oral argumentation. Mr. Ahuja shared his journey from mooting to coaching, shedding light on MAA’s work in supporting mooters. He elaborated on key aspects of arbitration, mediation, and mooting, discussing the structure and subjective nature of the Vis Moot. His talk emphasized the importance of substantiating claims with case law, avoiding common mistakes, and understanding arbitrators’ expectations. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where participants engaged in discussions on advocacy strategies.
As the day progressed, the final preliminary rounds took place, marking the end of the initial phase of the competition. The evening was a time to unwind, as teams gathered for the Social Night, providing a much-needed break from the intense rounds. The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated announcement of the semi-finalists, with four teams advancing to the next stage. Out of the ten participating teams, the following teams secured their spots in the semi-finals:
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Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad
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National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi (Team 1 — Hong Kong)
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University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (Team 2 — Hong Kong)
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National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi (Team 2 — Vienna)
With the competition nearing its final stage, anticipation is high for the semi-finals and grand finale scheduled for 23rd February.
Day 3 Update
The final day of the event began with the highly anticipated semifinals, featuring intense rounds between Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad and National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi (T2 — Vienna), as well as National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi (T1 — Hong Kong) and University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (T2 — Hong Kong). The distinguished panel of arbitrators for these rounds included Ms. Anu Shrivastava, Mr. Kailas Surendran, and Mr. Sarthak Raj, who provided insightful feedback and adjudicated with great expertise.
Ms. Manini Brar, a distinguished arbitrator, a representative of Indian Women in International Arbitration (IWIA) has over a decade of experience in commercial law. She has represented clients in high-stakes arbitrations under HKIAC and SIAC, served as an arbitrator in commercial disputes, and advised the Government of India on investment law matters. Her contributions to the field extend beyond practice, as she holds prestigious positions such as a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR, Editorial Co-Director of Young ICCA, Board Member of IWIA, and an empanelled arbitrator with SIAC and THAC.
Inaugurating the “Udaan” campaign, Ms. Brar emphasized the power of dedicated communities in reshaping the arbitration landscape. She outlined Udaan’s mission to bridge gaps for young practitioners by fostering mentorship, networking, and skill-building opportunities while championing gender diversity. The initiative is crucial in creating an inclusive and accessible arbitration ecosystem, equipping the next generation with the resources and guidance needed to thrive in the field. By supporting emerging professionals through structured programs and ambassador-led mentorship, Udaan ensures that arbitration becomes a more diverse and dynamic profession.
Furthermore, she discussed the evolution of arbitration in India, offering insights into how the field has transformed over the years and the challenges that still persist. She reflected on her own professional journey, sharing valuable experiences and lessons that shaped her career, inspiring the audience to actively seek opportunities for growth and contribution within the field.
The Fali S. Nariman Moot Court Hall bore witness to a spectacle of intellect and advocacy as the finest minds of the competition clashed in the final rounds. Before an esteemed bench of legal luminaries—Dr. Navin G. Ahuja, Ms. Ramya Raman, and Mr. Ridhish Rajvanshi.
In a spectacular display of skill, strategy, and unwavering dedication, NUSRL Ranchi (T1 — Hong Kong) emerged as the champions, setting a benchmark of excellence in arbitration advocacy. Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad, the formidable runners-up, showcased remarkable resilience and eloquence, making the finals a battle of intellect and precision.
The M.K. Nambiar Spirit of the Competition Award was rightfully earned by Lloyd Law College, a testament to their perseverance, teamwork, and commitment to the true spirit of arbitration.
As we celebrated these achievements, we also took the opportunity to honor Zainab ul Kubra as the Fali S. Nariman Best Oralist, recognizing her exceptional advocacy and articulation, which distinguished her among the brightest minds in the competition.
The event concluded on a high note, reinforcing the spirit of arbitration and excellence.