Shimla, May , news views post,.
In a timely academic initiative, the Centre for Business Law and Economics at Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, hosted an engaging e-Colloquium on “Reciprocal Tariff and the Imposition of New Economic Order: Issues, Concerns and Legal Challenges” on 1st May 2025. The virtual event was spearheaded by Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor of HPNLU, and reflected the university’s proactive engagement with contemporary global economic policies.
The colloquium aimed to dissect the implications of shifting tariff strategies, especially in the context of the recent policy changes in the United States. The thought-provoking session drew wide participation from research scholars and students across academic levels, fostering a vibrant platform for discourse.
Two renowned experts in international trade law enriched the session with their perspectives—Prof. Dr. T.S. Somashekhar, Professor of Economics at NLSIU Bangalore, and Dr. Bipin Kumar, Faculty at NLU Jodhpur. Their detailed analyses offered critical insights into the structure of global trade regimes, including GATT and WTO frameworks, and the ripple effects of protectionist policies on developing economies.
Prof. Saxena, in her welcome address, posed vital questions on the feasibility of reciprocal tariffs in an interconnected world. The session’s opening was further shaped by student presenters Anushka, Varin, and Shaurya, who outlined the core legal and economic dimensions fueling the global tariff discourse.
While Prof. Somashekhar contextualized U.S. tariff shifts within international legal instruments, Dr. Bipin Kumar brought attention to the Global South’s position, emphasizing the disproportionate burdens such policies can place on developing nations.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Prof. Girjesh Shukla, Director of the organizing centre, who acknowledged the contributions of the guest speakers and enthusiastic participants.
