Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (Vienna, 23 May 1969)
(Signatories: 45; Parties: 116)
The Convention entered into force on 27 January 1980 and has been referred to as the “Treaty on Treaties”.
VCLT is a treaty concerning the international law on treaties between states.The VCLT was drafted by the International Law Commission (ILC) of the United Nations.
It defines a treaty as “an international agreement concluded between states in written form and governed by international law”, as well as affirming that “every state possesses the capacity to conclude treaties”.
Itis widely recognized as the authoritative guide regarding the formation and effects of treaties.
Even those countries who have not ratified it recognize its significance. For exampleIn India, the Supreme Court has also recognized the customary status of the convention.
