The Indian Council of Arbitration (‘ICA’), India’s premier arbitral institution, hosted the 3rd edition of its International Conference on “Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes” on 05-06-2025, at Church House Westminster, London, during the London International Disputes Week 2025 (LIDW).
The Conference was inaugurated by Justice B R Gavai, Chief Justice of India, who delivered the inaugural address. The special address was delivered by Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.
The Conference also featured a Keynote Address by The Right Hon Lord Briggs of Westbourne, Judge of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, and included two engaging technical sessions. Designed as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, the event brought together leading practitioners, academics, and key stakeholders from both India and the United Kingdom to delve into the nuances of arbitration in commercial disputes. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and fostering meaningful partnerships, the conference aimed to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen the Indo-UK commercial and legal relationship.
Keynote Address of Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of Law & Justice, Government of India
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal congratulated ICA on the successful third edition of the conference, noting that over the years, it has played a vital role in promoting arbitration in India by offering world-class services that are both cost-effective and efficient.
Speaking on broader institutional reforms, the Law Minister underlined India’s commitment to promoting a robust, fair, and efficient dispute resolution ecosystem, noting that alternative dispute resolution (‘ADR’), especially arbitration, plays a vital role in creating investor confidence and business trust. Shri Meghwal highlighted that a strong dispute resolution framework is central to India’s vision of becoming a global business hub.
The Minister acknowledged the growing strength of India-U.S. relations, stating that bilateral ties are at an all-time high. Citing the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement signed in May 2025 as a historic milestone, he noted that the agreement is projected to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030, while also strengthening cooperation in technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and services.
Shri Meghwal emphasised the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in steering India towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. He stressed that clean, reliable, and cost-effective systems of dispute resolution are essential for supporting this growth.
“Two of the world’s largest democracies with rapidly growing economies, India and UK have a unique opportunity to lead in setting high standards for international law constituting the way disputes are resolved.” – Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal
Major Legal Reforms in Arbitration and ADR
Outlining key developments, Shri Meghwal noted that the Government of India has introduced several significant reforms aimed at making India a global hub for arbitration.
“To carry this vision forward, the Government of India, under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister, has taken several important steps to strengthen contract enforcement and improve the commercial dispute resolution system. These initiatives aim to make it easier for business in India and to build confidence among investors.” – Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal
These include:
- Amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 in 2015, 2019, and 2020 to improve transparency, efficiency, and reduce judicial interference;
- Establishment of the Arbitration Council of India to promote institutional arbitration;
- Introduction of provisions to ensure confidentiality, immunity for arbitrators, time-bound proceedings, and limited grounds for challenging arbitral awards;
-
Elimination of the provision for automatic stay on enforcement of arbitral awards—courts may now grant stay only under specific conditions such as deposit of the award amount.
“Keeping in mind both current and future challenges, significant reforms have been introduced in the field of alternative dispute resolution with the goal of making India a global hub for arbitration.” – Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal
Vision for the Future
In his concluding remarks, Shri Meghwal emphasised that India’s legislative and institutional reforms reflect a deep commitment to building a future-ready dispute resolution framework. He noted that quality and trust are foundational to any thriving business environment and that India’s reforms aim to make arbitration not only faster and more effective but also more globally credible.
“By working together, India and the United Kingdom can build a dispute resolution framework that is transparent, fair and safe, one that inspires confidence among business and investors on both sides. The collaboration will promote economic growth, innovation and sustainable development, reinforcing our safe commitment to prosperity and sustainability.” – Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal
He further noted the successful organization of the first National Mediation Conference in New Delhi on May 3, 2025, which was addressed by the Hon’ble President of India. The conference underlined the government’s proactive efforts to mainstream mediation as a vital tool for dispute resolution.
Shri Meghwal expressed confidence that through continued cooperation with strategic partners like the United Kingdom and the United States, India would emerge as a global leader in dispute resolution. By aligning with shared democratic values and a commitment to fairness, transparency, and rule of law, India seeks to establish a dispute resolution regime that inspires confidence among global investors and stakeholders.
