The Arbitral Tribunal Concludes Hearing on the Merits

THE HAGUE, 18 December 2013

The Arbitral Tribunal constituted in the matter of the Bay of Bengal Maritime Boundary Arbitration between the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Republic of India has just concluded its hearing on the merits. The hearing was held from 9 December to 18 December 2013 at the Peace Palace in The Hague.

On 9 December 2013, His Excellency Mr. A.H. Mahmood Ali, MP, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, and The Honorable Goolam E Vahanvati, Attorney General of India, made opening statements on behalf of the Parties.

Following the opening statements, the Agent of Bangladesh, H.E. Dr. Dipu Moni, MP (Former Foreign Minister), made introductory remarks. Mr. Lawrence Martin, Professor Philippe Sands QC, Professor Payam Akhavan, Mr. Paul Reichler, Professor Alan Boyle, and Professor James Crawford SC argued on behalf of Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s first round of oral arguments was concluded on 10 December 2013.

On 12 December 2013, the Agent of India, Dr. Neeru Chadha (Joint Secretary & Legal Adviser, Ministry of External Affairs), gave a general presentation of the case. Mr. R.K.P. Shankardass, Professor Alain Pellet, Professor Michael Reisman, and Sir Michael Wood KCMG argued on behalf of India. India’s first round of oral arguments was concluded on 13 December 2013.