The New Indian Model BIT, Finally Final.

After over a year long discussion on changing the Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), the Government of India finalised the new Model BIT around two weeks back. This Model BIT will form basis for entering into new BITs as well as renegotiating the existing BITs.

I have written this post for the Kluwer Arbitration Blog to give an overview of the Model BIT. The post compares the new Model BIT to the Draft Model BIT which was released last year.

The post is available here.

What the New Indian Model BIT Might Look Like?

I have written a post for Kluwer Arbitration Blog on the prospects of the new Indian model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).  It can be accessed here.

The post evaluates the possible modifications that are being considered in the new model BIT. While some stipulated modifications are well thought, others may be dwelled into with fresh view. While only the final BIT will clear the clouds, I hope the drafters, after reading the post are able to consider the views as well as the implications of the stipulated modifications. Have a look.

A BIT of a Secret: Op-Ed in The Indian Express.

The Indian Express today carried an Op-Ed piece written by me together with Anirudh Wadhwa.  It is on increasing transparency in Investment Treaty Arbitrations which arise out of Bilateral Investment Treaties. The piece argues the case for the need of transparency and in addition discusses introduction of the UNCITRAL’s Transparency Rules in Indian BITs . These Rules are slated to take effect from the 1st of April, 2014.  It also discusses other international developments that have ensued to increase transparency worldwide, such as by USA and Canada.

The link to the piece is here: http://epaper.indianexpress.com/c/2256799