PRESS NOTE: GNLU Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Navy to Strengthen Maritime Law and Capacity Building Initiatives

Gandhinagar/Kochi, 11 May 2026

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Headquarters of the Indian Navy at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Keralam on 11 May 2026 to further strengthen academic, research, extension, and training collaboration in the fields of International Maritime Law, Law of the Sea, and allied legal disciplines. The MoU was signed on behalf of GNLU by Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Director, Gujarat National Law University, and on behalf of the Indian Navy by Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Southern Naval Command.

The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both institutions towards promoting a rules-based maritime order and enhancing professional capacity in the application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), maritime security governance, and international legal processes. The MoU envisages the conduct of Short Duration Courses, Long Duration Courses, Certificate Programmes, Online Maritime Law Programmes, Residential Research Programmes, and other mutually agreed academic and training initiatives for officers of the Indian Navy.

In light of evolving maritime security dynamics, increasing geopolitical engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and India’s growing role as a responsible maritime power and “Net Security Provider” in the Indian Ocean Region, the collaboration is envisioned as a significant nation-building initiative aimed at strengthening India’s institutional and operational capacity in maritime legal governance. The MoU reflects the Indian Navy’s continued emphasis on specialised legal and strategic capacity-building for its personnel in order to effectively engage with contemporary challenges relating to maritime security, freedom of navigation, maritime dispute management, humanitarian operations, and international maritime cooperation.

Over the past five years, GNLU has undertaken sustained capacity-building programmes for officers of the Indian Navy in the specialised domain of Maritime Law and Law of the Sea. The collaboration has contributed significantly towards strengthening interdisciplinary engagement between academia and Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy, in its vision to function as a technologically enabled and networked maritime force and as a “Net Security Provider” in the Indian Ocean Region, acknowledged the importance of advanced legal and policy training for its personnel in the evolving maritime domain.

The MoU shall remain operational for a period of three years and aims to institutionalise long-term cooperation between the two institutions in furtherance of academic excellence, maritime legal scholarship, and national capacity-building.

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GNLU Wellness Initiative Cell (GWIC) is hosting Bonsai Workshop.

• Date: Tuesday, 14th April 2026
• Duration: 3 hours (1.5-hour guided session + 1.5-hour hands-on workshop)
• Cost: ₹250 per plant (Includes nursery plant + shaping wires)

You can:

• Join individually, or
• Pair/group up (2-3 people per plant) and split the cost
• Only one person needs to pay per plant if you’re working together
• Payment Deadline: Saturday (EOD)
• Once you’ve made the payment, please fill this form to confirm your slot: https://forms.gle/gogWiNz7XNAnMAJCA

For Queries reach out to:

• Aravindhan: +91 8431520025
• Vipra: +91 9301670175
• Email: gwic@gnlu.ac.in

The GNLU Centre for Public and Private International Law is pleased to host Ambassador Anil Trigunayat (IFS Retd.) for a distinguished lecture under the Ministry of External Affairs Ambassador Lecture Series on the theme “Rule of Law, Multilateralism, and Indian Foreign Policy in a Transitional Global Order”

Date: 01 April 2026

Time: 4:00 PM (1 hour session)

Venue: Vitan I, Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)

For more information, Contact: Dr. Harsha Rajwanshi, hrajwanshi@gnlu.ac.in

GNLU Wellness Initiative Cell (GWIC) is hosting GNLU’s first-ever Skating Workshop, conducted in collaboration with Delhi Skating Community (DSC).

About the Workshop

This workshop will introduce students to the basics of skating in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you are a complete beginner or simply curious to try something new, the session is open to everyone.

Dates: 21st & 22nd March 2026 (Saturday & Sunday)

Timings:

• Morning Session: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Evening Session: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

About Delhi Skating Community (DSC)

Delhi Skating Community (DSC) is a grassroots collective founded in October 2022 by Nishchal Singh (GNLU Batch of 2020). What began as a passion project has since grown into a vibrant community of over 9,000 skaters across Delhi, dedicated to promoting an inclusive and accessible street skating culture in India.

Built on a free-for-all, open-to-all philosophy, DSC welcomes skaters of all ages and skill levels and regularly hosts community skating sessions across Delhi.

Beyond skating, DSC also runs Rolling Hearts Project in collaboration with the New Delhi District Magistrate’s Office - an initiative that brings skating, music, and joy to underprivileged children while promoting well-being and community engagement. Through this initiative, over 100 children across various Child Care Institutes in Delhi have been trained.

Instagram:

• @Delhiskatingcommunity
• @RollingheartsbyDSC
• @gnlu_gwic

Registration

Spots are limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Safety Note

Skating involves physical activity. By registering, participants acknowledge that they are participating at their own responsibility. The organisers will not be liable for any injury, accident, loss, or damage during the workshop.

For Queries reach out to:

• Prathamesh:
• Aishana:

We look forward to seeing you on wheels!

The GNLU Centre for Trade and Competition Law is delighted to host a "Regional Workshop on Competition Law" in collaboration with the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

The two-and-a-half-hour workshop will feature addresses by the Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India, a Member of the Commission, and the Director (Economics), CCI. This session presents a valuable opportunity to understand the framework and practice of competition law directly from the regulator, offering practical insights into the enforcement and policy dimensions of competition law in India.

Date: 13 March 2026

Time: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

For more information, Contact: Dr. Harsha Rajwanshi, hrajwanshi@gnlu.ac.in

The GNLU Centre for Public and Private International Law is pleased to host Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar (IFS Retd.) for a distinguished lecture under the Ministry of External Affairs Ambassador Lecture Series on the theme “Evolution of India–US Relations: From Trade to Security.”

Date: 11 March 2026

Time: 4:00 PM (1 hour session)

Venue: Vitan I, Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)

For more information, Contact: Dr. Harsha Rajwanshi, hrajwanshi@gnlu.ac.in

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