On 10 April 2026, the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) inaugurated the 5th Edition of its International Conference on “Arbitration in the Era of Globalization- Legal Technology, Economic Development & Cross-Border Disputes”.
Mr. Arun Chawla on ICA’s Global Vision for Arbitration
Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Arun Chawla, Director General, ICA & Former Director General, FICCI, underscored the global gathering which consisted of legal minds and other eminent professionals from countries like Singapore, UAE, USA, UK, etc. Thereafter, he introduced the dignitaries namely, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant; Dr. N. G. Khaitan, President, ICA & Senior Partner, Khaitan & Co.; Lt. Governor of Delhi Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu; Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales Ms. Sue Carr, Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill; and Ms. Geeta Luthra, Vice President, ICA & Senior Advocate Supreme Court of India.
“As global commerce becomes more interconnected, we are simultaneously witnessing increasing geopolitical shifts, regulatory divergence, and economic uncertainties. It then falls upon emerging powers and civilisations like India to ask some defining questions: Is globalisation only about expanding markets or equally about strengthening the system that sustains trust across borders? And is it time for India to play a more prominent role in shaping the rules of a new global order that is driven not only by profit but also by certainty, fairness, and the rule of law? Answering these questions is critical to ensure the mutually beneficial sustenance of a globalised and multilateral system that would facilitate cross-border commerce.”
He further noted that the benchmark set by jurisdictions like New York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai in arbitration inspired the ICA’s collective vision to position India as a preferred, reliable, and globally competitive seat for arbitration.
Mr. Chawla highlighted that India, with its growing economic footprint, expanding trade corridors, and a judiciary that has consistently upheld party autonomy and enforceability, is well-positioned and is required to emerge as a key player in the global arbitration ecosystem.
“In a world where borders are increasingly fluid, but uncertainties are rising, the true measure of globalization is not how freely we trade, but how fairly and efficiently we resolve our differences. And on that journey, arbitration is not just another alternate dispute solution mechanism; it is a bridge between commerce and a sense of security to its stakeholders.”
Dr. N. G. Khaitan on Institutional Arbitration in India
Dr. N. G. Khaitan began his opening address by providing some background on the CJI and Lt. Governor, as well as a brief introduction of ICA. Regarding ICA, he mentioned that it had 6,000 members and 3,000 arbitrators, had cooperation treaties with 44 countries, held workshops and seminars in various cities, etc. He also underscored India’s economic position and the supportive Supreme Court as two important factors for arbitration.
“India is one of the safest harbours to do business in the world today. The time has come that we must promote institutional arbitration. India provides and offers the cheapest institutional arbitration in the world. We have 2 million lawyers and 70,000 lawyers graduate every year. Our laws and judgments of the Supreme Court are being referred to in many countries of the world. India should also be promoted as a destination for global arbitration.”
Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr on Technology and Fair Process
Thereafter, a video message from Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr was played. In this address, Lady Chief Justice reflected on India and the UK’s long-standing judicial history and legal foundations.
Underscoring the role of technology in arbitration, she expressed her interest in the conversations on the growing role of AI and legal technology in the digital era. She stated that while Courts and Tribunals consider the opportunities presented by technology, digital hearings, electronic evidence, and new tools supporting case management, it was essential that innovation is matched by a continued commitment to due process, transparency, equal participation, and fairness.
Justice Carr also recognized the growing cooperation between India and the courts of England and Wales, alongside evolving collaboration under free trade and investment frameworks; there were significant opportunities for strengthening legal cooperation and professional engagement between the two countries.
“A strong, predictable dispute resolution landscape supports economic confidence, and it also creates meaningful opportunities for the legal services community in both our jurisdictions, including in arbitration, mediation, and related advisory work.”
Sh emphasized the importance of strong institutions and constructive judicial support for arbitration, stating that the courts play an essential role in upholding the integrity of arbitral processes, respecting party autonomy, enforcing awards where appropriate, and safeguarding fairness.
“In an era shaped by globalisation and by the increasing speed and complexity of international disputes, international cooperation and shared learning between judiciaries is more important than ever.”
She concluded by wishing the conference a success and thanking ICA for the invite as well as its commitment to advancing arbitration and dispute resolution.
Lt. Governor of Delhi, Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, on Arbitration and Economic Confidence
Taking the session forward, Lt. Governor of Delhi, Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, delivered his special address wherein he began by acknowledging the role of ICA as one of India’s oldest and most significant arbitral institutions. It has played a pivotal role in administering a wide range of domestic, international, and maritime arbitrations, reflecting both its institutional maturity and the growing confidence of users in institutional arbitration in India.
In the backdrop of today’s deeply interconnected world, where economic activity transcends borders, he highlighted that arbitration has evolved from an alternative mechanism to an essential tool for dispute resolution, valued for its three core attributes: neutrality, predictability, and enforceability, which enhance investor confidence and ease of doing business.
Underscoring India’s global positioning, the Governor stressed the need for reliable dispute resolution systems. As India adopts a multi-alignment approach in global trade and investment, he stated that ICA was well-placed to act not just as an administrator of disputes but as a driver of institutional excellence. “It can contribute to building global confidence in India as a credible arbitration destination by promoting best practices, enhancing procedural efficiency, and fostering greater alignment with international standards.”
He further added that ICA had the potential to act as a bridge bringing together government, industry, and the legal community to shape a responsive and forward-looking arbitration ecosystem. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, he emphasized that such institutions must lead in innovation capacity building and international engagement.
“As the country deepens its global partnerships and advances its development goals, strengthening arbitration aligns with the need for a predictable and rules-based environment for commerce. Delhi, as the national capital, holds a unique position in this ecosystem. It is home to key institutions of governance, including the Supreme Court of India, central ministries, regulatory authorities, and a wide range of diplomatic missions. It also hosts leading law firms, arbitration practitioners, and corporate entities. This concentration of institutional, legal, and commercial activity provides Delhi with a natural advantage in emerging as a centre for arbitration and legal services. The development of Delhi, as a global arbitration hub, is not merely a matter of infrastructure, but of institutional alignment, and sustained policy support.”
Substantiating his statement, the Governor cited the example of Singapore and London, which demonstrated how deliberate policy frameworks, strong arbitral institutions, legal traditions, and consistent jurisprudence can create globally trusted arbitration seats. He added that India already possessed these foundational elements; thus, through sustained and focused efforts, we could enhance our global standing and position India as a preferred destination for dispute resolution.
“Arbitration in this context is more than a legal tool; it’s an enabler of economic growth. It reduces uncertainty, strengthens commercial relationships, and reinforces trust.”
In conclusion, the Governor underlined how such conferences and institutes like ICA play a crucial role in shaping a modern, efficient, and globally aligned arbitration ecosystem.
CJI Surya Kant’s Inaugural Address on the Four Core Themes of the Conference
Enlightening the audience with his wise words, CJI Surya Kant delivered an erudite inaugural address on the four themes of the conference i.e., Arbitration in the Era of Globalization, Legal Technology, Economic Development, and Cross-Border Disputes. He not just highlighted the present landscape of arbitration but also delved into what changes need to be undertaken to traverse the road towards advancing India as a global seat. Also Read: CJI Calls on Public Bodies, Corporates to Adopt Institutional Arbitration at the 5th ICA International Conference 2026
Vote of Thanks by Ms. Geeta Luthra
Thereafter, Ms. Geeta Luthra delivered the Vote of Thanks, wherein she thanked CJI Surya Kant, Lt. Governor of Delhi, Dr. N.G. Khaitan, and Mr. Arun Chawla for their insightful addresses. She also expressed her gratitude towards Justice A.K. Sikri, Justice Hrishikesh Rao, Justice Om Prakash Shukla, Justice Reva Khetrapal, Justice C. Hari Shankar, Ms. Pinky Anand, and several other dignitaries for their august presence. Lastly, she thanked the exceptional speakers, the governing body of ICA, and the audience.
Concluding the day, the CJI Kant, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the Legal Tech Expo by partaking in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
CJI Surya Kant, Lt. Governor, Mr. Arun Chawla, and Ms. Geeta Luthra graced the SCC Online AI Pro Booth.
