The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in collaboration with the School of Law, Bennett University, organised the 3^rd CTIL–Bennett International Moot Court Competition 2026 from 6–8 February 2026 at Greater Noida under the aegis of the WTO Chairs Programme.

The three-day international moot court competition served as an academic platform for law students to engage with contemporary issues in international trade law and labour standards. Teams from universities across India and abroad participated in the competition. The rounds were evaluated by experts drawn from the legal profession, academia and policy institutions.

The moot proposition focused on issues relating to alleged violations of labour standards and occupational safety obligations under a Free Trade Agreement, following an industrial accident and subsequent regulatory developments.

Judge, Supreme Court of India, Justice Rajesh Bindal, addressed the inaugural session and underscored the importance of constitutional values, judicial reasoning and the role of legal institutions in upholding the rule of law. Vice Chancellor, Bennett University, Dr. Raj Singh, spoke on the role of universities in advancing policy-oriented legal education. Speakers also highlighted the importance of WTO law moots in capacity building and strengthening understanding of international trade governance. Academic publications were also released during the programme.

Judge, Supreme Court of India, Justice Pankaj Mithal, addressed the valedictory session and emphasised the role of legal education in strengthening justice delivery systems, highlighting constitutional principles, judicial integrity and professional responsibility. The valedictory session also included the announcement of results and presentation of awards recognising excellence in research, advocacy and overall performance.

The competition reaffirmed the role of academic and policy institutions in promoting advanced study and practical engagement in international trade law and global economic governance.

Labour standards under free trade agreement debated at international moot to build trade law advocacy and capacity. An international moot organised by CTIL and Bennett University under the WTO Chairs Programme focused on alleged violations of labour standards and occupational safety obligations under a Free Trade Agreement following an industrial accident, with evaluations by legal, academic and policy experts and emphasis on capacity building in international trade law.