The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) is an international agreement that governs the rules for creating, interpreting, and terminating treaties between countries. Adopted: 23 May 1969 Entered into force: 27 January 1980 Place: Vienna, Austria Depositary: UN Secretary-General Key Features: Defines a treaty as “an international agreement concluded between States in written form and governed by international law” Applies only to treaties between states (not organizations or individuals) Lays down rules on: How treaties are made How they are interpreted How they can be amended, suspended, or terminated Recognizes key principles like: Pacta sunt servanda – treaties must be obeyed in good faith Invalidity of treaties if entered by coercion, fraud, or against international law Provides that treaties must be registered with the United Nations India’s Status: India is not a party to the VCLT, but it follows many of its provisions as part of customary international law. Importance: The VCLT is the cornerstone of international treaty law and is widely regarded as the authoritative guide for treaty-related matters across the world.
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