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United News of India
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


India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
ICA conference reaffirms arbitration's central role in cross-border dispute resolution across India-UK economic corridor
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): The Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) organised the 3rd edition of its International Conference on 'Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes' during the London International Disputes Week (LIDW) 2025, where Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai recapitulated the huge potential of growth in the India-UK economic corridor, aided by a robust cross-border commercial dispute resolution mechanism. The symposium laid emphasis on 'Synergising 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,' according to the Ministry of Law and Justice. In a packed hall of legal luminaries and other stakeholders, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Chief Justice of India, inaugurated the Conference by delivering the inaugural address. '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,' CJI said. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of Law & Justice, while delivering the keynote address, highlighted that 'Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the 'National Initiative towards Strengthening Arbitration and Enforcement ' concluded in India, organised on October 23, 2016, has highlighted the importance of ADR. Hence, there was a 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'. During the inaugural session, the Rt Hon Lord Michael Briggs of Westbourne, Judge Supreme Court of the UK, stated in his keynote address that '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 common law, which has for centuries recognised the right to a fair hearing in court. The recent signing of the 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'. Vikram K Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, in his special address highlighted '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 the growth of disputes unavoidably. However, eventually an efficient and effective dispute resolution is what will enhance innovation & private sector ingenuity, aiding the growth of commerce across the jurisdictions. In his welcome address, NG Khaitan, President, ICA & Senior Partner, Khaitan & Co highlighted, '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 through mediation in Lok Adalat, highest globally. This shows the reliability and trust the institution has garnered'. Arun Chawla, Director General, ICA and former DG FICCI, in his opening remarks underscored that, '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.' Karishma Vora, Barrister 39 Essex Chambers, London & Member of the ICA International Advisory Committee delivered the vote of thanks, emphasising the commonalities of dispute resolution in the UK & India within the India-UK economic corridor. ICA is one of the oldest arbitral institution in India, established in 1965 with prominent co-founders Government of India & FICCI (India's apex & largest chamber for commerce and industry) among others. We have been a trailblazer in institutional arbitration with highest adjudication rate of arbitration matters in India. Annually, the ICA adjudicates claims exceeding Rs 4000 crores (approximately USD 470 million), highlighting its significant role in dispute resolution. In addition to its role in spearheading institutional arbitration in India, ICA also has role in propagating and popularizing idea of ADR mechanisms, of disseminating information and educational material concerning arbitration processes and law. (ANI)


Daily Tribune
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain and India Pledge Stronger Partnership in Legal and Investment Sectors
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasized the enduring and robust relations between Bahrain and the Republic of India. These historic ties are built on strategic partnerships and fruitful cooperation across various sectors, HRH affirmed. Speaking during a meeting at Gudaibiya Palace today, HRH the Crown Prince reiterated Bahrain's commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation with India, aiming to deepen integration and achieve mutual aspirations for progress and prosperity. Bilateral Ties Strengthened through Legal, Investment, and Commercial Partnerships The meeting was held in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and several senior officials. HRH welcomed H.E. Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal, India's Minister of State for Law and Justice. During the meeting, the Crown Prince reviewed the advanced level of cooperation between the two nations and the continued growth of their partnership. He underscored the importance of building on these achievements, particularly in the legal, investment, and commercial arbitration fields. HRH also highlighted the need for further exchange of expertise and best practices, noting that such collaboration will benefit both countries and their peoples. Shared Interests and Regional Cooperation Discussed The discussions also covered the latest developments on the regional and international fronts. Both sides explored opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields and exchanged views on key issues of mutual concern. HRH the Crown Prince acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian community in Bahrain, praising their role in supporting the Kingdom's development journey across multiple sectors. For his part, H.E. Arjun Ram Meghwal expressed his gratitude to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his dedication to strengthening Bahrain-India relations and advancing bilateral cooperation. He wished the Kingdom continued success and prosperity.


Daily Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Indian Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Arrives in Bahrain
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs of the Republic of India, arrived in the Kingdom of Bahrain today on an official visit aimed at strengthening the close ties between the two nations, particularly in the fields of judicial cooperation and arbitration. Upon his arrival, the Indian minister was warmly received by Professor Marika Paulson, Secretary-General of the International Dispute Resolution Council in Bahrain. The visit reflects the shared commitment of Bahrain and India to deepen bilateral collaboration in legal affairs and expand mutual cooperation in the areas of justice reform, alternative dispute resolution, and legislative dialogue.


United News of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
CJI BR Gavai to inaugurate Indian Council of Arbitration's 3rd Conference in London
New Delhi, May 26 (UNI) In a significant step toward strengthening international legal cooperation, the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) is set to host its 3rd International Legal Conference on 'Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes: Synergising India-UK Arbitration practices' on June 5, at the historic Church House, Westminster, in London. Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai will inaugurate the event. The event will be organised as part of the prestigious London International Disputes Week 2025 (LIDW25). Besides inauguration by CJI BR Gavai, the Conference will feature keynote addresses by the Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Rt. Hon. Lord Briggs, Justice of the UK Supreme Court. The high-level gathering will bring together a distinguished lineup of legal experts, senior policymakers, institutional heads, and arbitration professionals from both India and the United Kingdom. Discussions will focus on the evolving dynamics of cross-border dispute resolution, best practices in institutional arbitration, and the prospects for deeper legal and regulatory convergence between the two jurisdictions. The conference comes at a strategically important juncture in India-UK legal and economic relations. It follows the recent finalisation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Bar Council of India's notification dated May 14, 2025, permitting foreign lawyers and law firms to practice foreign law in India on a reciprocal basis, two landmark developments that are expected to reshape the contours of transnational legal practice. By addressing the emerging challenges and opportunities in Indo-UK arbitration, the ICA aims to foster a robust, harmonised dispute resolution ecosystem that can effectively support growing bilateral trade and investment. The event is expected to serve as a forward-looking platform for enhancing legal certainty, institutional trust, and commercial confidence between the two countries. UNI SNG RN