In a significant stride towards advancing education, skills, and expertise in the field of arbitration, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) proudly announce the formalization of a strategic alliance through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both esteemed institutions, recognized as Institutions of National Importance, have embarked on this collaborative journey to foster excellence and innovation in arbitration.
The MoU outlines the shared commitment of both the institutions to collaborate on a range of activities. These activities are designed to enhance skills and knowledge, offering academic programs, upskilling opportunities, and specialized training in the dynamic field of arbitration.
This signing ceremony took place at the Rashtriya Raksha University campus in Gandhinagar, underscoring the importance of this partnership. The signatories of the MoU were Chairman Justice Hemant Gupta, Former Justice of the Supreme Court and Prof Bimal N Patel, Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University. The MoU’s were being shared by Vinay Kumar Sanduja, Registrar of the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), and Dr. Shishir Gupta, Registrar of Rashtriya Raksha University.
Professor Bimal Patel, Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University, has emphasized the need to promote, protect, and pursue the interests of Rule-Based International Law. He underscores that the importance of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to synergize efforts in the larger national economic interests. He believes that while India has not historically been a litigating nation, there is a pressing need to take the lead. Institutions like Rashtriya Raksha University are fully prepared to embrace this challenge, and the RRU Centre for International Law (RCIL) can lead the way by providing academic training in this field.
Professor Patel further asserts that regional approaches must be brought into play to contribute to the universalism of international law. He provides example of how nations have adopted ‘lawfare’ as part of their national security strategy, emphasizing that this is a reality that cannot be ignored. He strongly believes that a dedicated pool of international investment arbitrators are required to ensure India’s economic security.
Justice Hemant Gupta, Former Supreme Court of India and Chairperson of India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), shared his thoughts stating that this strategic alliance aims to create a comprehensive framework for nurturing talents, promoting academic excellence, and addressing the evolving needs of the arbitration landscape. By combining the strengths and resources of both institutions, RRU and IIAC aspire to be at the forefront of shaping the future of arbitration, not only in India but on the global stage.
Mr Digvijay Rewatkar, RRU Centre for International Law, stated that this partnership reflects the shared commitment of promoting international arbitration and create a transformative impact by fostering skilled professionals and thought leaders in this field and in India. This would include leveraging the collective expertise of both the institutions to meaningfully contribute to the development of the arbitration ecosystem in not only India, but also on the global stage.
About Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU): Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) is a pioneering institution dedicated to education, research, training, and extension activities in the field of national security. With a focus on developing skilled professionals for various domains of national security management, RRU aims to contribute significantly to enhancing India’s security preparedness.
About India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC): The India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) has been established by the India International Arbitration Centre Act, a statute promulgated by the Parliament of India. The purpose of this enactment is to create an independent and autonomous regime for institutional arbitration. IIAC has been declared as an institution of national importance.
