Trade and environment have always been uncomfortable colleagues since the inception of the World Trade Organization and free trade. However, post the Singapore rounds in 1996, it is said that a new kind of free trade has emerged that is more conscientious and aware about environmental impacts and sustenance. While trade remains the primary objective, the WTO has taken it upon itself the task of striking a balance between liberalizing the integrated global economy and acting as a vanguard to precautionary and sustainable environmental principles. This article will look into the inter phase between trade and environment as witnessed under the pre and post WTO regimes and critically analyse judicial pronouncements and best practices to better understand this alliance.