West and South Asia Regional Round
The Research and Advisory Centre for International Economic Laws (RACIEL) at National Law University, Jodhpur (NLUJ) is pleased to host the West and South Asia Regional Round of the 24th John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition (JHJMCC), organised by the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA). The rounds will be held from March 17 to 20, 2026, at National Law University, Jodhpur. This would mark the second consecutive year that NLUJ has been entrusted with the organisation of this prestigious regional round.
About National Law University, Jodhpur
Established in 1999 and consistently ranked among India’s leading law schools, National Law University, Jodhpur has spent over two decades cultivating a culture of rigorous legal scholarship and public interest engagement. NLUJ’s academic ecosystem includes several research centres and student-led journals of national and international standing, which serves as the institutional anchor for the University’s engagement with international economic law. The University draws talented students from across India and beyond, and its alumni hold prominent positions in leading law firms, international organisations, and government institutions worldwide. Under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur as the Honourable Vice Chancellor, the University has achieved new heights in academic innovation, research collaboration, and global engagement, further strengthening its reputation as a leading institution for legal education and scholarship in India.
About the Research and Advisory Centre for International Economic Laws (RACIEL)
RACIEL has been established to promote excellence in research, education, and training in the field of International Economic Law. The Centre focuses on areas such as WTO law, regional economic integration, international investment, intellectual property, and cross-border business regulation. Under the direction of Dr. Bipin Kumar, RACIEL seeks to produce high-quality legal research, provide advisory support on international economic law and policy, and facilitate academic exchange and specialized training for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, particularly from developing-country perspectives.
About the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition
Since its inaugural edition in 2002, the JHJMCC has established itself as the foremost global moot court competition in international trade and World Trade Organization (WTO) law. Administered by ELSA with the technical support of the WTO, and the sponsorship of leading law firms this year, such as Van Bael & Bellis, Baker McKenzie, Sidley Austin LLP, White and Case, Mayer Brown, Nishimura Asahi and Dentons, the competition tasks participating teams with preparing written submissions and presenting oral pleadings before panels of WTO officials, trade law academics, and senior practitioners.
Now in its 24th Edition, the competition draws hundreds of participants annually across regional rounds spanning six circuits worldwide. The best 24 teams from all over the world are qualified to participate in the Final Oral Round, scheduled from June 23 to 27, 2026, at the WTO Headquarters in Geneva.
About the West and South Asia Regional Round
The West and South Asia Regional Round will bring together accomplished law students from leading universities across the region, offering a high-stakes forum for rigorous legal argumentation. Competing teams will present before distinguished panels comprising senior WTO officials, international trade law academics, and leading practitioners. The competition will proceed through Preliminary Rounds, Semi-Finals, and a Grand Final, with the winning teams qualifying for the Geneva Rounds.
Theme of the Competition
The case concerns a WTO dispute involving measures relating to critical minerals and the trade of cooling paint products derived from barite. The dispute raises key issues under the GATT 1994, including the consistency of local content requirements in government procurement, preferential treatment arising from a bilateral critical-minerals partnership, and customs measures requiring supply-chain certification to address child labour concerns. The case therefore examines the balance between trade obligations, industrial policy, and responsible business conduct within the WTO framework.
Panel Discussion
The competition rounds will be followed by a Panel Discussion on March 20, 2026, at NLUJ.
The discussion will bring together prominent academics and practitioners in international trade law to engage in a conversation on contemporary developments and emerging issues in the field. The panel will reflect on significant themes shaping global trade law and policy, drawing on perspectives from both scholarship and practice.
Our Partners
We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions have been instrumental in making the West and South Asia Regional Rounds of the 24th John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition possible.
Our Platinum Sponsors include the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), a premier institution established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India that provides rigorous legal research, capacity-building, and policy support on international trade and investment law.
We are also proud to be supported by Sarvada Legal, a leading Indian law firm with a distinguished international trade and customs practice, known for advising governments and industries on WTO law, trade remedies, export controls, and foreign trade policy, and for representing clients in trade disputes across multiple jurisdictions.
Our third Platinum Sponsor, the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), is a prominent policy research think tank that works closely with governments and international organisations on issues relating to global economic governance, development policy, and international trade.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our Gold Sponsors: Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (LKS) is one of India’s most reputed law firms, widely recognized for its expertise in international trade remedies, WTO law, customs, and indirect taxation.
We are equally grateful to the Centre for WTO Studies (CWS), a leading research institution that has played a significant role in building India’s academic and policy expertise in WTO law and international trade negotiations.
Finally, we acknowledge our Exclusive Media Partner, SCC Online, a premier legal research platform that provides comprehensive access to Indian and international legal materials and continues to play a vital role in advancing legal scholarship and professional practice.
Their invaluable support helps facilitate a world-class moot court experience, bringing together students, practitioners, and experts in International Trade law
Contact Information
For queries, write to elsanluj@nlujodhpur.ac.in
Centre Director: Dr. Bipin Kumar
Convenors: Nandini Babbar | Akshat
May an ordinary person (not a law student or advocate) can attend this function. If yes, please give timings.