The Supreme Court of India recently hosted an esteemed delegation of senior judges from five nations—Nepal, the United Kingdom, Bhutan, Brazil, and Kenya. Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, formally introduced these distinguished visitors in the iconic courtroom no. 1, marking a significant occasion for international judicial collaboration.
The delegation featured notable figures including Manoj Kumar Sharma, the Chief Justice of Nepal, alongside judges from the Supreme Courts of the United Kingdom, Bhutan, Brazil, and Kenya. This visit came just before the 60th anniversary celebrations of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), a body pivotal in the harmonization and modernization of international trade law.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani extended a warm welcome to the visiting judges, highlighting India’s rich tapestry of cultural and legal traditions. “India is a confluence of culture and values. We are looking forward to the interaction this evening. This will also show the Swadeshi jurisprudence of India,” he expressed.
Echoing these sentiments, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta acknowledged the complexity and beauty of India’s diversity, stating, “India is one of the finest countries with diversity. But two days are very less to explore a country such as India.” His statement underscored the limited time frame of the visit, which allowed only a brief glimpse into India’s multifaceted legal landscape.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, further emphasized the significance of this visit. “This is a significant moment, and we welcome all the judges to participate in the UNCITRAL 60th anniversary…Our judiciary is being followed internationally,” Singh noted, underscoring the global influence and recognition of India’s judicial system.
The visit aligns with UNCITRAL’s ongoing initiatives to commemorate its milestone anniversary, encouraging member states to host events from July 2026 to July 2027. These gatherings aim to foster dialogue among judges, government officials, academics, and arbitration practitioners regarding advancements in international commercial law.
The presence of international judicial luminaries at India’s Supreme Court not only strengthens bilateral ties but also emphasizes the global importance of shared legal frameworks. As UNCITRAL marks its 60th year since its establishment by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, such interactions are pivotal in advancing cohesive international trade laws.
