It’s our great pleasure today to introduce Arpita Goswami as an IntLawGrrls contributor. Arpita is a young and upcoming lawyer focusing on international law, relations and diplomacy. In particular, Arpita is passionate about Law of the Sea and presently serves as an Assistant Editor of the China Oceans Law Review. She is also a Graduate Assistant at the South China Sea Institute, Xiamen University, China, from where she is pursuing a master’s degree in Asia Pacific Relations. Earlier, Arpita graduated with a high distinction from National Law University, India, and pursued a post-graduate diploma in International Law and Diplomacy from the Indian Society of International Law. She was also invited to attend short courses at the Marco Polo – Zheng He Academy on International Oceans Law and Policy in 2012 and the Xiamen Academy of International Law in 2011. At Xiamen Academy, Arpita was recognized for her zealous participation and contribution and was awarded Honors for Outstanding Performance.

Arpita has previously interned at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, as well as at the Secretariat of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), Nepal. At SAARC, she submitted and presented reports on ‘Maritime Security in SAARC Region’ to a panel of inter-governmental officers headed by the Secretary-General. At the Indian Ministry, she worked on expropriation in international investment law, under the direct supervisions of one of the law officers of the Ministry. Arpita also served as Research Assistant for six months at the Office of the Secretary General of the Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi: the pioneer institute in India focusing on the study, development and promotion of international law in India. Besides, she has had short stints also at the Indian National Commission for Women and at the New Delhi Legal Services Authority, which gave a much matured and well-rounded perspective to her education.

Apart from being passionate about international law and Law of the Sea, she is trained in Indian Classical dance (Bharatnatyam), and has performed in various national and international forums. Arpita is proficient in English & Hindi, intermediate in French, and is currently learning Chinese Mandarin. Her first post will discuss the Bay of Bengal Maritime Arbitration Case. Heartfelt welcome!