Legal Reforms for Trade & Tech

Charting the Course for an Agile Legal Framework: Insights from the International Legal Conference 2025
The International Legal Conference 2025, held on May 10 in New Delhi, served as a pivotal gathering for legal minds, policymakers, and corporate leaders to address the pressing need for an agile legal framework. Organized by the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) alongside the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and the Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP), the conference spotlighted how legal systems must evolve to keep pace with the breakneck speed of global trade, technological disruption, and the erosion of trust in institutions. At the helm of these discussions was Justice Manmohan of the Supreme Court of India, whose keynote speech resonated as a clarion call for adaptability, transparency, and foresight in legal governance.
The Imperative of Legal Agility in Global Trade
Justice Manmohan’s address underscored that international trade no longer operates on the slow tides of traditional commerce but is instead propelled by the jetstreams of geopolitical shifts, digital marketplaces, and supply chain innovations. He argued that rigid legal frameworks risk becoming obsolete, likening them to “anchor chains dragging against a speeding vessel.” For India—a nation aspiring to be a $10 trillion economy—streamlining trade regulations is non-negotiable. The conference highlighted examples like the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which dynamically regulates cross-border e-commerce, as a model for India to emulate.
Data presented at the event revealed that 68% of foreign investors cite “regulatory unpredictability” as a barrier to entering Indian markets. Justice Manmohan proposed solutions such as sunset clauses for trade policies (automatic expiration unless reviewed) and blockchain-based smart contracts to automate compliance. These measures, he contended, would balance flexibility with accountability, ensuring India remains an attractive hub for global capital.
Technology’s Double-Edged Sword: Governing AI and Data
The second pillar of the conference dissected technology’s legal frontiers, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and data sovereignty. Justice Manmohan warned that current laws are “playing catch-up with Silicon Valley’s disruptors,” citing how India’s 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act still lacks provisions for AI-generated deepfakes or algorithmic bias. He praised Singapore’s AI Governance Framework—a living document updated biannually—as a template for India to adopt.
A panel discussion featuring cybersecurity experts revealed alarming gaps: India witnesses 18,000 cyberattacks daily, yet only 35% of these cases reach litigation due to procedural delays. The conference proposed “sandbox courts”—specialized tribunals to fast-track tech-related disputes, modeled after the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority sandbox. Additionally, Justice Manmohan urged corporates to adopt ethical AI charters, joking that “even robots deserve a fair trial.”
Rebuilding Trust Through Transparency and Legal Education
Trust, the third theme, emerged as the keystone holding trade and technology together. Justice Manmohan lamented that “contract enforcement in India takes 1,445 days on average—longer than constructing a metro line.” To combat this, he advocated for digitizing dispute resolution via platforms like the EU’s ODR (Online Dispute Resolution), which resolves 80% of cases within 90 days.
The conference also linked legal agility to education reform. With the Law Ministry’s “second-generation reforms” aiming to modernize curricula, suggestions included mandatory modules on space law (given India’s Gaganyaan mission) and climate litigation. A striking proposal was the “Global Legal Hackathon,” where law students would compete to draft adaptable statutes for emerging sectors like lab-grown meat or quantum computing.
Docking at the Future: A Blueprint for Progress
Justice Manmohan’s vision at the International Legal Conference 2025 was more than theoretical—it was a navigational chart for India’s legal system to sail into uncharted waters. By embracing agile trade policies, dynamic tech governance, and trust-building mechanisms, India can transform its legal framework from a reactive institution into a proactive force. As the conference concluded, one message rang clear: the tides of change wait for no one, and only those who adjust their sails will thrive. The 2025 conference may well be remembered as the moment India chose to steer toward becoming a global standard-bearer for legal innovation.