<p>India is placing greater emphasis on specialised legal expertise and policy research as international trade rules evolve in response to digitalisation, sustainability requirements and changing investment priorities. The government believes that rigorous legal analysis is essential to protecting national interests while supporting India’s participation in global commerce.</p><p>Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal highlighted these challenges in a video address marking the ninth anniversary of the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL). He noted that established trade rules are being questioned and that emerging issues, including sustainability-linked trade measures and digital trade, are reshaping the international economic agenda.</p><p>Established to strengthen India’s capacity in international trade law, CTIL provides legal analysis and specialised support to the Department of Commerce. Its work includes assistance with free trade agreement negotiations, dispute settlement and the development of institutional knowledge that can support future trade policy decisions.</p><p>According to the government, CTIL has provided more than 4,000 legal opinions and participated in negotiations involving nearly 10 free trade agreements. It has also contributed to work connected with the World Trade Organization, including negotiations, notifications, submissions and dispute settlement. These activities provide technical support as India manages increasingly complex international economic relationships.</p><p>Sustainability is emerging as an important consideration in trade policy. Governments and trading partners are examining how environmental standards and climate-related requirements should apply to imported products and international supply chains. For Indian exporters, understanding such rules will be important when assessing compliance obligations, production processes and access to overseas markets.</p><p>Digital trade presents another area of growing importance. Cross-border digital services, data-related regulations and technology-enabled business models are creating new legal and policy questions. Clearer analysis of these issues can help policymakers evaluate international commitments and understand how emerging rules may affect Indian companies operating across multiple jurisdictions.</p><p>CTIL is also expanding research into areas such as critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, supply chains, climate and sustainability. These subjects have implications for industrial policy, strategic sourcing and international investment. Stronger research capacity may help government agencies assess proposed trade measures and negotiate provisions that reflect India’s economic priorities.</p><p>The anniversary event also saw the release of a CTIL magazine focused on the evolving relationship between trade and sustainability, alongside a special edition of Investment Law Compass. As India continues to negotiate trade agreements and engage with international institutions, specialist legal expertise will remain important for interpreting changing rules, managing disputes and helping businesses understand their obligations in global markets.</p>