Global Experts Discuss India’s Industrial Policy at International Conference in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The evolving geopolitical landscape, the role of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, India’s green transition, and strategies for building resilient global supply chains were at the forefront of discussions at an international conference organized by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL).

The three-day conference, themed “Navigating the Future: Industrial Policy and Global Competitiveness,” was held at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, from January 17 to 19, 2025. It was jointly organized by CTIL, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Centre for International Trade and Business Laws, NALSAR University of Law, the World Trade Institute, University of Bern, and the WTO India Chairs Programme.

The event brought together renowned scholars, policymakers, and global trade experts to deliberate on the resurgence of industrial policies, their impact on WTO rules, and the increasing shift from free trade to protectionism in response to global economic challenges.

The inaugural session explored the evolution of industrial policy and its role in fostering innovation and technology while ensuring compatibility with WTO norms. In his keynote address, Prof. James J. Nedumpara, Head of CTIL, underscored the importance of green industrial policies in driving sustainable economic growth.

Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law, Prof. Srikrishna Deva Rao, delivered the presidential address, while former WTO Appellate Body members, Ujal Singh Bhatia and Prof. Peter Vanden Bosche, highlighted the need to examine trade and industrial policy linkages in-depth.

Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized the role of emerging economies in the global energy transition and stressed the need for India to integrate into global supply chains by focusing on value creation and employment generation.

In the plenary session, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, addressed the shift in global trade policies, noting the trend toward protectionism in response to China’s rise and evolving U.S. policies. He called for transparent and cost-effective interventions in critical sectors while maintaining adherence to WTO regulations.

The conference also featured expert discussions from Dr. Werner Zdouc, Dr. Isabelle Van Damme, Dr. Alicia Gracia, Dr. Pritam Banerjee, Prof. Henry Gao, and Sumanta Chaudhuri, among others.

During the inaugural session, CTIL launched its new monthly investment law newsletter, ‘Investment Law Compass: Navigating through the Global Investment Framework’. The publication aims to simplify complex developments in investment law and make them accessible to legal professionals and trade enthusiasts. The newsletter will be available at www.ctil.org.in.

At the valedictory session, Prof. James J. Nedumpara reflected on the rich deliberations over the three days, emphasizing the global participation and the multifaceted insights shared on industrial policy. He extended his appreciation to NALSAR University of Law and the World Trade Institute for their collaboration and congratulated the organizers on the successful conclusion of the conference.