Explore the importance of International Treaties and Agreements, with a list of international treaties and conventions and those ratified by India. Learn how these agreements shape global cooperation.
theIAShub | 06 Mar, 2025 | 3839 | 0 |
International Treaties and Agreements are the backbone of global cooperation, helping nations work together to address shared challenges and achieve common goals. From human rights and environmental protection to trade and security, these agreements play a vital role in shaping the world we live in.
In this article, we’ll explore what international treaties and agreements are, and their importance, and provide a list of international treaties and conventions, including those ratified by India. Whether you’re a student, a UPSC aspirant, or simply curious about global affairs, this guide will help you understand the significance of these agreements in simple language.
International treaties and agreements are formal deals between two or more countries to set rules, responsibilities, and cooperation on issues of common interest or global importance. They help manage relationships between countries in areas like trade, security, environmental protection, and human rights.
Treaties are legally binding and are approved by national governments, creating enforceable rules in areas like disarmament, climate action, and human rights. Examples include the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Paris Agreement.
Agreements are usually less formal and not as binding as treaties. They often cover specific topics like trade deals or scientific cooperation. Some agreements don’t need government approval but are still important for diplomacy, such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
| Term | Definition | Specific Details | Binding | Ratification |
| Agreements | A broad term for a formal arrangement between two or more parties, which may or may not be legally binding. | Can include treaties, MoUs, or contracts; focuses on mutual understanding and cooperation. | Depends on the terms; often binding if legally formalized. | May or may not require ratification. |
| Charters | A formal document defining the purpose, rights, and obligations of an organization or institution. | Establishes institutions or foundational principles, like the UN Charter. | Typically binding for members. | Usually requires ratification by signatories. |
| Conventions | International agreements addressing specific issues, often negotiated under international organizations (e.g., Geneva Conventions). | Broader in scope and designed for widespread international adherence. | Binding upon ratification. | Requires formal ratification to become binding. |
| Declarations | Non-binding statements outlining principles or intentions, often adopted at summits (e.g., Universal Declaration of Human Rights). | Expresses political commitment rather than legal obligation. | Non-binding unless codified into law or treaty. | Not required as they are not legally binding. |
| Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) | A formal but non-legally binding agreement outlining mutual intentions or cooperation between parties. | Focuses on understanding and goodwill, not enforceable by law. | Generally non-binding unless explicitly stated otherwise. | Not required. |
| Protocols | A supplement or amendment to an existing treaty or agreement, often addressing additional details or procedures. | Adds specificity or updates to existing agreements (e.g., Kyoto Protocol). | Binding upon ratification. | Requires ratification by signatories. |
| Treaties | A formal, legally binding agreement between sovereign states or international organizations under international law. | Explicitly binding with clear legal obligations. | Legally binding upon ratification. | Requires formal ratification by the involved parties. |
| Signatories and Parties | Signatories: States or entities that sign an agreement but have not yet ratified it, indicating intent to comply without binding obligation.
Parties: States or entities that have ratified the agreement, making it legally binding. |
Differentiates between those who have signed (intention to comply) and those who have ratified (legal obligation). | Signatories are not bound; Parties are legally bound. | Signing does not require ratification; ratification makes it binding. |
Here’s a list of international treaties and conventions that have had a significant impact on global affairs:
| Year | Name of Treaty/Convention | Description |
| 1919 | Treaty of Versailles | Ended WWI; imposed heavy reparations on Germany, leading to geopolitical changes. |
| 1920 | Treaty of Trianon | Redrew boundaries in Central Europe; significant for understanding European history post-WWI. |
| 1928 | Kellogg-Briand Pact | An international agreement attempting to prevent war as a means of resolving disputes. |
| 1945 | United Nations Charter | Established the United Nations, aimed at preventing future wars and fostering cooperation. |
| 1947 | General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) | Predecessor to WTO, significant in understanding international trade agreements. |
| 1949 | North Atlantic Treaty (NATO) | Formed a military alliance between North American and European nations to counter Soviet influence. |
| 1951 | Genocide Convention | Defined genocide in legal terms and committed signatories to preventing and punishing it. |
| 1959 | Antarctic Treaty System | Established Antarctica as a scientific preserve, banned military activity on the continent. |
| 1960 | Indus Waters Treaty | India-Pakistan treaty, significant for regional water-sharing agreements. |
| 1968 | Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) | Aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament. |
| 1971 | Ramsar Convention | International treaty for the conservation of wetlands, relevant to environmental protection. |
| 1972 | Biological Weapons Convention | Prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons. |
| 1985 | Schengen Agreement | Removed border controls within Europe, establishing free movement of people within the EU. |
| 1987 | Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) | US-Soviet treaty to eliminate intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles. |
| 1989 | Montreal Protocol | A global agreement to protect the ozone layer by phasing out substances causing ozone depletion. |
| 1992 | United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) | Established framework for addressing climate change; led to the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. |
| 1994 | North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) | Established a trilateral trade bloc between the US, Canada, and Mexico. |
| 1997 | Kyoto Protocol | International treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions; foundational for climate policy. |
| 2000 | United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime | Combats organized crime, including human trafficking and smuggling. |
| 2000 | Cotonou Agreement | Economic and political relations between EU and ACP countries. |
| 2001 | Treaty of Nice | EU institutional reforms, laying groundwork for further expansion. |
| 2001 | Convention on Cybercrime | First international treaty on internet and computer crime. |
| 2002 | ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution | Addressing air pollution affecting Southeast Asia. |
| 2003 | WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control | Global response to the tobacco epidemic. |
| 2005 | Energy Community Treaty | Integrates EU energy market with South East Europe. |
| 2007 | Treaty of Lisbon | Major reforms to EU structures and decision-making processes. |
| 2008 | UNASUR Constitutive Treaty | Formation of the Union of South American Nations. |
| 2010 | Nagoya Protocol | Aims at fair sharing of genetic resources’ benefits. |
| 2015 | Paris Agreement | Landmark international accord to combat climate change. |
| 2017 | Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons | Legally binding prohibition of nuclear weapons. |
| 2018 | Prespa Agreement | Resolved the naming dispute between Greece and North Macedonia. |
| 2019 | Treaty of Aachen | Strengthening Franco-German cooperation in EU policies. |
| 2020 | Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan | The peace agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban. |
| 2022 | Ethiopia–Tigray Peace Agreement | Ended conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. |
| 2023 | Treaty of Jeddah (2023) | Facilitated a week-long ceasefire in the 2023 Sudan conflict but expired two days after the signing due to a sudden surge in hostilities. |
India has been an active participant in global treaties and conventions. Here’s a list of conventions and agreements ratified by India:
| Name of the Convention/Treaty/Agreement | Date of Accession/Ratification | Entry into Force | Significance and Focus |
| WIPO Convention | January 31, 1975 | May 1, 1975 | Establishes India’s membership in WIPO, enhancing global intellectual property cooperation. |
| Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property | September 7, 1998 | December 7, 1998 | Protects industrial property (patents, trademarks) internationally, promoting innovation and trade. |
| Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works | April 23, 1928 | April 1, 1928 | Ensures copyright protection for creators, facilitating the global exchange of creative works. |
| Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms | September 17, 2001 | December 17, 2001 | Simplifies patenting processes for microorganisms, boosting biotechnological research and innovation. |
| Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol | September 19, 1983 | October 19, 1983 | Protects the Olympic symbol to preserve its integrity and prevent unauthorized commercial use. |
| Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) | September 7, 1998 | December 7, 1998 | Streamlines the international patent application process, supporting Indian inventors in global markets. |
| Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms | November 1, 1974 | February 12, 1975 | Protects against unauthorized duplication of phonograms, aiding Indian producers and artists. |
| Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement | April 8, 2013 | July 8, 2013 | Facilitates international registration of trademarks, benefiting Indian brands abroad. |
| Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for the Blind | June 24, 2014 | September 30, 2016 | Improves access to published works for visually impaired individuals, promoting inclusivity. |
| WIPO Copyright Treaty | September 25, 2018 | December 25, 2018 | Provides copyright protections in the digital environment, supporting Indian creators online. |
| WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty | September 25, 2018 | December 25, 2018 | Protects performances and phonograms in digital media, benefiting Indian musicians and performers. |
| Nice Agreement concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services | June 7, 2019 | September 7, 2019 | Standardizes trademark classification, aiding Indian businesses in global trademark registration. |
| Locarno Agreement establishing an International Classification for Industrial Designs | June 7, 2019 | September 7, 2019 | Facilitates the classification of industrial designs, promoting Indian industrial creativity abroad. |
| Vienna Agreement establishing an International Classification of Figurative Elements | June 7, 2019 | September 7, 2019 | Standardizes figurative element classification in trademarks, supporting India’s IP protection globally. |
Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!
The Paris Agreement (2015) is an international treaty on climate change.
Bilateral treaties (between two countries), Multilateral treaties (among multiple countries), and Universal treaties (open to all nations).
They promote global cooperation, resolve conflicts, regulate trade, and address global issues like climate change and human rights.
A country signs the treaty, gets domestic approval (parliamentary or executive), and then deposits the instrument of ratification.
India has ratified the WIPO Convention, Paris Convention, Berne Convention, Marrakesh Treaty, and Patent Cooperation Treaty, among others.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
