Certificate Course in International Commercial & Investment Treaty Arbitration 2026

The National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) has announced its Certificate Course in International Commercial & Investment Treaty Arbitration, 2026, a prestigious five-month, in-person programme conducted under the Chair on Investment Treaties and International Commercial Arbitration.

Designed at a time when cross-border disputes, investor–State arbitration, and international commercial arbitration are gaining unprecedented importance, the course aims to build specialised arbitration capacity among government officials, legal professionals, and academicians in India .

About National Law University Delhi

Established in 2008 through a joint initiative of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and the Government of NCT of Delhi, NLU Delhi is among India’s leading law universities.

Key Highlights of NLU Delhi

• Established under the NLU Delhi Act, 2007
• Visitor: Chief Justice of India
• Chancellor: Chief Justice of Delhi High Court
• Ranked 2nd among law universities in NIRF for seven consecutive years
• Renowned for legal education, research, and policy engagement

About the Chair on Investment Treaties & International Commercial Arbitration

The Chair was instituted under the patronage of Hon’ble Justice Indu Malhotra (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India) and is chaired by Mr. V. K. Rajah, SC, Vice-President of the ICC Court of Arbitration.

Objectives of the Chair

• Promote advanced research in international arbitration
• Strengthen India’s engagement with global arbitration norms
• Conduct capacity-building programmes for professionals and government officials
• Facilitate interaction with international experts and practitioners

Why This Course Is Important

India is currently facing:

• Rising Investor–State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) cases
• Legal challenges arising from termination of BITs since 2016
• Proposed amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act
• Reform of the Model Bilateral Investment Treaty

This course equips participants with the conceptual clarity and practical skills needed to navigate these developments effectively .

Course Objective

The course aims to:

• Build expertise in international commercial arbitration
• Develop understanding of investment treaty arbitration
• Equip participants to handle complex cross-border disputes
• Enhance India’s institutional and professional arbitration capacity

Course Structure (Diagram-Style Overview)

5-Month Certificate Programme
        │
        ├── Part A: International Commercial Arbitration
        │
        └── Part B: Investment Treaty Arbitration

Outline of the Course

Part A – International Commercial Arbitration

• Conceptual framework of arbitration
• Cross-border commercial disputes
• Practical aspects of arbitral proceedings

Part B – Investment Treaty Arbitration

• Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs)
• Investor–State disputes
• International investment law mechanisms

📌 Assessment Method:

• Continuous assessment
• End-term examination

Eligibility & Prerequisites

Course Details at a Glance

Important Dates (Timeline)

15 January 2026  → Applications Open
10 April 2026    → Application Deadline
30 April 2026    → Orientation Programme
02 May 2026      → Course Commences

Faculty & Academic Excellence

The programme features:

• International arbitration experts
• Senior advocates
• Former judges
• Practitioners from leading global arbitration institutions

The advisory and teaching panel includes globally recognised names such as Professor Stavros Brekoulakis, Ms. Carolyn Lamm, Mr. Toby Landau KC, Mr. Ciccu Mukhopadhaya, Mr. Promod Nair, and other eminent experts.

Who Should Enrol?

This course is ideal for:

• Government officers handling international disputes
• Lawyers practising or aspiring in arbitration
• Academicians researching investment law
• Policy professionals involved in treaty drafting

Important Dates – NLU Delhi Arbitration Certificate Course 2026

Class Schedule

• Days: Saturday & Sunday

• Time: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM

• Mode: In-person (NLU Delhi)