What's New :
4-Day Bootcamp on Ethics & Essay Answer Writing
4 Days Bootcamp to Decode UPSC Preparation
30th September 2023 (8 Topics)

Global dispute settlement, India and appellate review

Context:

The recently concluded G-20 Declaration, among its many commitments, reiterated the need to pursue reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to improve all its functions and conduct proactive discussions “to ensure a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all members by 2024”.

WTO Dispute Settlement and its Challenges

  • WTO's Dysfunction: The WTO's dispute settlement system has faced issues since 2019 due to the United States blocking appellate body appointments.
  • Significance of Dispute Settlement: The system is vital for ensuring coherent rulings, predictability, and confidence in the WTO's dispute resolution process.
  • Future Uncertainty: The G-20 Declaration expresses support, but the U.S. opposes an appellate review, raising questions about the system's future.

Need for Appellate Review in Investment Law

  • ISDS in International Investment Law: Investor-state-dispute settlement (ISDS) plays a crucial role, but it lacks an appellate review mechanism.
  • Challenges in ISDS: ISDS lacks consistency and coherence, leading to instability and unpredictability in international investment law.
  • Benefits of Appellate Review: Establishing an appellate mechanism can rectify legal errors, harmonize interpretations, and bring stability and certainty to ISDS.

India's Role in Promoting Appellate Review

  • India's Stance: India's model BIT indicates support for appellate review in ISDS, aligning with concerns about ISDS inconsistency.
  • EU Negotiations: India must take a stand on appellate review during ongoing investment treaty talks with the EU, which advocates for it.
  • Promoting Global Order: India's commitment to a rule-based global order should drive support for appellate review in ISDS and the WTO dispute settlement system.
You must be logged in to get greater insights.

Verifying, please be patient.

Enquire Now