2 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Law Minister Meghwal presents India's vision to become global arbitration hub at ICA London
New Delhi/ London, June 5 (UNI) Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal laid out India's roadmap to becoming a global hub for arbitration and dispute resolution at the 3rd International Conference on 'Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes'.
The conference was hosted by the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) at Church House Westminster, London, during the London International Disputes Week 2025.
The event brought together senior dignitaries and legal experts from both India and the UK, including Chief Justice of India BR Gavai (inaugural address), Lord Briggs of Westbourne, Judge of the UK Supreme Court (keynote address) Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK (special address), Justice Hima Kohli, Supreme Court of India, Harish Salve KC, Senior Advocate and International Arbitrator, Sujit Ghosh, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK, Arun Chawla, Director General, ICA, Geeta Luthra, Senior Advocate and Vice President, ICA, Dr NG Khaitan, President of ICA and Senior Partner at Khaitan and Co., and Karishma Vora, Barrister at 39 Essex Chambers, London and Member of the ICA International Advisory Committee.
Minister Meghwal underscored the importance of institutional arbitration, legislative reforms, and strategic global partnerships, as essential to strengthening investor confidence and boosting India's global economic standing. He noted that India's commitment is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Key initiatives highlighted include, Amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (2015, 2019, 2020) to ensure time-bound, confidential, and impartial processes. Formation of the Arbitration Council of India to promote institutional mechanisms. Abolition of automatic stay on arbitral awards. Promotion of mediated settlement and hybrid dispute resolution models.
The Minister emphasized that mainstreaming arbitration and mediation will reduce pendency in Indian courts by diverting commercial disputes to faster, cost-effective forums. He pointed to the National Mediation Conference held in May 2025 in New Delhi addressed by the President of India as a significant step in institutionalizing mediation.
"Clean, reliable, and cost-effective systems of dispute resolution are essential for India's growth as a global business hub," said Meghwal, adding that cooperation with countries like the UK and US will drive innovation and trust in legal systems.
By aligning arbitration norms with international best practices and encouraging diversity in arbitrators, India aims to create a dispute resolution regime that is fair, transparent, and globally respected.
The Indo-UK conference fostered legal and commercial ties between the two democracies and reinforced India's position as an emerging leader in international arbitration. Legal experts from both countries agreed that stronger arbitration frameworks will accelerate bilateral trade, especially following the India-UK Free Trade Agreement signed in May 2025, projected to double trade to $120 billion by 2030.
The conference concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration, setting the tone for arbitration to become the default mechanism in commercial dispute resolution, relieving court burden and enhancing India's global legal stature.
UNI SNG RN
