After initial confidence among government officials that India would swiftly sign bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with partner nations, it has now emerged that a number of countries, including the US, Canada and the European Union (EU) nations, have expressed reservations on some issues, including international arbitration. This has led to negotiations slowing down and signing of BITs, with India’s major global partners taking more time thanpreviously anticipated, BusinessStandard has learnt. Senior government sources say most countries, with whom India is negotiating the signing of BITs, have reservations about the fact that India’s BIT allows foreign companies and related aggrieved parties to seek international arbitration, only if they have exhausted all domestic dispute redressal mechanism or legal options. This provision does not sit well with partner nations, who want unconditional access to international arbitration. As a result, negotiations are delayed. BusinessSt...