1. Kindly begin by giving us a brief introduction about yourself and your academic journey so far. What inspired you to pursue a career in international arbitration and dispute resolution?
I am a Senior Associate in the Global Commercial Disputes and International Arbitration practice groups at Reed Smith LLP in New York. I am dually qualified to practice law in both India and New York, and my practice today spans complex, high-stakes disputes across jurisdictions.
My journey towards international arbitration began somewhat unexpectedly during my time in law school in India. I participated in a Model United Nations conference where one of the Committees simulated the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the case we deliberated was Philip Morris v. Australia2, involving Australia’s plain packaging laws. That experience opened my eyes to the world of cross-border disputes and treaty-based arbitration — areas that were as intellectually rigorous as they were geopolitically significant.
Interestingly, my early legal internships were in the capital market teams of some of India’s leading law firms — far from the world of arbitration. However, the spark lit during that Model United Nations (MUN) conference never quite faded. It reignited when I pursued my LLM at the University of California, Berkeley, where I had the privilege of studying international arbitration under a professor who was both a brilliant academic and a passionate practitioner. That course reaffirmed what I already knew: this is the field I truly belonged in.
While some people stumble into arbitration, I charted a deliberate course into this field — and I am fortunate today to be exactly where I aspired to be.
2. You have extensive experience in international commercial litigation and arbitration, representing global corporations and individual investors. Could you share some pivotal moments from your career that shaped your journey as an international arbitration practitioner?
While I believe my most pivotal moment is still ahead of me, my journey so far has been shaped by a series of smaller, formative experiences — each one sharpening my skills and deepening my understanding of the practice.
I have had the opportunity to work on a wide spectrum of matters, from drafting indices for complex bundles of exhibits to directly corresponding with opposing counsel and Arbitral Tribunals, participating in high-stakes settlement negotiations, conducting cross-examinations, and representing clients at final hearings. These moments may seem routine in isolation, but together they have taught me that no task is too small when it comes to building a successful arbitration practice.
What makes this field so dynamic is the sheer variety of disputes — each with its own strategic nuances, cultural considerations, client expectations and commercial pressures. In international arbitration, legal acumen must constantly be balanced with business sensibility, particularly in “bet-the-company” cases where outcomes can redefine a company’s future.
These cumulative experiences have not only sharpened my advocacy but also reinforced the importance of adaptability, strategic clarity and empathy — qualities I believe are critical to being an effective arbitration practitioner.
3. Practising across India and New York, how do you balance varying legal frameworks while maintaining a cohesive litigation strategy?
In international arbitration, the challenge often extends well beyond navigating Indian and US legal frameworks. Much of my practice involves jurisdictions across the Asian and African continent, making it essential to engage with a truly diverse set of legal systems, procedural norms and cultural dynamics.
The key to maintaining a cohesive litigation strategy lies in aligning the substantive legal frameworks with the client’s broader commercial objectives and the tone of advocacy that best serves them — whether that means adopting an assertive posture or taking a more conciliatory approach. It is not just about knowing the law in each jurisdiction; it is about understanding how best to deploy it in a way that is coherent, credible and ultimately effective across forums.
Over the years, I have learned that harmonising different legal regimes requires both deep preparation and strategic agility. The goal is always to construct a seamless narrative that respects the nuances of each legal system while keeping the focus firmly on the client’s desired outcome.
4. Gender bias is still prevalent in many professional spaces. How do you personally deal with biases in your own professional journey and what practical advice would you give to those facing similar challenges?
Candidly, I am still learning how to navigate gender bias — it can be subtle, systemic and at times deeply disempowering. There have been moments when it left me feeling frustrated or even helpless. But I have been fortunate to have a role model in my mother, whose professional and personal journey continues to be a source of immense strength and inspiration. Watching her persevere with grace and determination has helped me develop the resilience to confront, and at times strategically ignore, adversity.
If I had to offer one piece of practical advice, it would be this: develop such a deep sense of confidence and clarity about who you are and what you bring to the table that the noise around you loses its power. That kind of internal strength is the best armour against external biases.
At the same time, I cannot overstate the importance of competence — especially for women and other underrepresented professionals. You will often be expected to prove yourself repeatedly, to meet higher bars and to work harder than your peers. It is not always fair, but it is a reality many of us contend with. Ultimately, it is not about the hand you are dealt, but how you play it — and how you continue to elevate yourself and others along the way.
5. How do you balance your demanding professional role as the Senior Associate at Reed Smith, with leading an initiative like Indian Women in International Arbitration (IWIA)?
IWIA is, quite honestly, like my baby — it is a passion project that holds deep personal meaning for me. At the same time, my role at Reed Smith is demanding and intellectually rigorous, and I am fully committed to excelling in my professional practice. Balancing both is not always easy, and I would not pretend otherwise.
There have certainly been moments when the weight of expectations in both spheres has felt intense — especially when you are striving to make an impact and succeed meaningfully on both fronts. What makes it possible, though, is the support system around me. I am incredibly fortunate to have a committed and driven Steering Committee at IWIA — women who shares the same vision of elevating Indian women in arbitration, whether as counsel, arbitrators or experts.
Together, we have built IWIA into a collaborative platform that champions visibility, mentorship and representation in a field that needs it. For me, the balance is about purpose — both roles feed into my broader mission of shaping a more inclusive and dynamic arbitration community, and that alignment keeps me going even when the workload gets heavy.
6. IWIA has grown into a global community of over 700 practitioners and allies. How do you see IWIA making a long-term impact on the visibility and recognition of IWIA?
I believe IWIA is already contributing meaningfully to the visibility and recognition of IWIA. In just two years, we have launched a number of targeted initiatives — from spotlighting accomplished Indian women practitioners to curating speaker series that feature diverse voices and expertise.
One of our most ambitious projects is the development of the IWIA Indian Women Arbitrator Database, which we plan to share with arbitral institutions and key stakeholders globally. The goal is to ensure that Indian women are not overlooked when it comes to appointments as arbitrators, experts or speakers. Over time, I hope this will help dismantle the myth of the “pipeline problem” and ensure that talent is not just acknowledged but actively included.
These cumulative efforts — spotlights, speaker banks, strategic collaborations and the arbitrator database — are all designed to create lasting structural change. While IWIA may still be in its early years, I am confident the legacy we are building will be felt for decades to come.
7. Could you elaborate on some of the key initiatives you have led under IWIA, such as mentorship programs and high-impact events?
Under IWIA, we have launched a suite of high-impact initiatives aimed at visibility, mentorship and meaningful inclusion. We have hosted both in person and virtual events across jurisdictions — often in collaboration with law firms, arbitral institutions and academic centers. These events are designed not only to build knowledge and networks, but also to provide Indian women in arbitration with a global platform.
Our mentorship program has been a flagship initiative, connecting junior practitioners and students with experienced mentors across continents. We also launched Udaan, our campus ambassador program, to cultivate interest and leadership in international arbitration at the law school level.
Beyond events, we have rolled out a bi-annual newsletter and a dynamic blog that spotlights thought leadership in arbitration. Our speaker bank is another cornerstone — created to move beyond the “usual suspects” and ensure new and diverse voices are seen and heard on international panels.
All of these initiatives are driven by the same core principle: Indian women are not just present in this field — they are leading it.
8. How do you plan to sustain the impact of Udaan over the years, ensuring continued mentorship and professional growth for women in arbitration?
As the name suggests, Udaan is about giving young law students the wings to “take flight” — confidently and purposefully — into the world of international arbitration. Our vision for Udaan goes beyond just a campus initiative; we see it as a long-term pipeline for talent, mentorship and leadership.
Through Udaan, we aim to offer students opportunities to publish, network and deepen their understanding of international arbitration — not just in theory, but through the insights of senior practitioners. We want students across all Indian States to benefit from exposure to real-world developments in international law, global best practices and professional skills that will serve them well beyond graduation.
Sustaining its impact means continuing to invest in the quality and reach of the program. That includes expanding to more law schools, fostering a strong alumni network, and leveraging IWIA’s practitioner base as a powerful mentorship ecosystem. At the end of the day, the success of Udaan will rest on the engagement of its participants — and we are already seeing signs of a committed, curious and high-potential cohort of future leaders.
9. Finally, reflecting on your journey so far, what would be your message to young legal professionals who are passionate about making an impact in the field of international arbitration?
Network with purpose, learn relentlessly, and embrace every opportunity, even when it seems daunting. Do not let setbacks discourage you. Instead, let them fuel your determination to prove your worth. This is a field that rewards those who stay in the game and evolve along the way.
1. Student Ambassador, Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam.
2. Philip Morris Asia Limited v. Commonwealth of Australia, 2012 SCC OnLine PCA 20.
