Significance of arbitration institutions are becoming important in enhancing India’s standing as a hub for arbitration: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Chief Justice of India
Jun 05, 2025
Need to facilitate vibrant ecosystem for alternate dispute resolution; Will provide additional comfort to investors and business; ease load on Indian courts: Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law & Justice, GoI LONDON, 05 June 2025: The Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) today organized the 3rd edition of International Conference on ‘Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes’ during the London International Disputes Week (LIDW) 2025. The symposium laid emphasis on ‘Synergizing India UK Arbitration Practices’ with dedicated panel discussions on Hybrid Dispute Resolution Models in Indo-UK Commercial Conflicts and Bridging Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in India-UK to Enhance Trade & Investment. The Conference was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Chief Justice of India and while addressing the delegates he recapitulated the huge potential of growth in India-UK economic corridor aided by robust cross border commercial dispute resolution mechanism. “The very foundation of the concept of arbitration and mediation can be found in Indian traditional values, where disputes were referred to the elders of the village. As India continues to solidify its position as a major player in the world economy, the significance of arbitration institutions is becoming increasingly important in enhancing India’s standing as a hub for arbitration," he added. Mr Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law & Justice, Government of India highlighted that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ‘National Initiative towards Strengthening Arbitration and Enforcement in Conclusion India’ organised in 2016 highlighted the importance of alternate dispute resolution (ADR). “We need to simultaneously facilitate a vibrant ecosystem for alternate dispute resolution including arbitration, mediation and conciliation. This will provide additional comfort to investors and business. More importantly it will also ease the case load on Indian Courts,” he highlighted. The Rt Hon Lord Michael Briggs of Westbourne, Judge Supreme Court of the UK said, “The statutory arbitration regimes in India and the UK are similar, yet also different, in both the statutory regime is embedded in our shared fabric of the common law, which has for centuries recognized the right to a fair hearing in court. The recent signing of India-UK FTA and the enhanced cooperation in terms of arbitral frameworks, replacing the mechanism of litigation for commercial dispute resolution, holds the potential to enhance the bilateral economic relations in times that come, he noted. Mr Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, said, “The India-UK FTA is India’s most ambitious FTA to date. It isn’t just about the figures; it opens up government procurements on equal footing with British companies and spans a range of services and sectors to let both our countries benefit. The growth of commerce invites growth of disputes unavoidably, however eventually an efficient and effective dispute resolution is what will enhance innovation, private sector ingenuity aiding growth of commerce across the jurisdictions”. Mr N G Khaitan, President, ICA & Senior Partner, Khaitan & Co, said, “The Indian arbitral landscape is pro-arbitration which heightens investor confidence making India a preferred destination for international commercial dispute resolution. The New India is most cost effective and with best of arbitrators and mediators to aid commercial dispute resolution. Between 2016 & 2025, India mediated 7,57,000 cases through mediation in Lok Adalat, highest globally. This shows the reliability and trust the institution has garnered.” Mr Arun Chawla, Director General, ICA and former DG FICCI, said, “The base and promise of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is unmistakable: to enhance bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. This ambition is supported by greater services interoperability and increased professional mobility, especially for legal professionals, which holds particular significance. Legislative reforms in both jurisdictions are working tirelessly to advance this vision.” Ms Karishma Vora, Barrister 39 Essex Chambers, London & Member of the ICA International Advisory Committee delivered the vote of thanks emphasizing on the commonalities of dispute resolution in UK & India within the India-UK economic corridor.