The General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) has announced the upcoming high-level conference titled “India—UK Partnership — Cooperation, Investment and the Future”, scheduled to take place on Friday, 5 June 2026 at Governor’s House, London, hosted by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP). The event is supported by the Law Society of England and Wales.
As India moves towards the centenary of its independence in 2047 and advances its vision of becoming a “Viksit Bharat”, the conference seeks to contribute meaningfully to strengthening the legal and institutional framework that supports this ambition. The discussions will focus on developing a modern, resilient, and globally aligned legal ecosystem that enhances investment flows, promotes equitable growth, and deepens cross-border collaboration.
The India—United Kingdom relationship continues to stand as a unique and enduring partnership, built on shared constitutional traditions, legal heritage, democratic institutions, academic exchange, and strong people-to-people ties.
Under the theme “Two Nations, One Legal Future: India—UK Partnership 2026”, the conference will bring together leading voices from the judiciary, government, legal profession, academia, and global business community to engage in forward-looking discussions on the evolving India—UK partnership.
Key Areas of Discussion
The conference will feature thematic sessions exploring emerging opportunities in areas including:
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India—UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Legal implications and investment protection
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Infrastructure, ports, logistics, and energy transition collaboration
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Cross-border investment and infrastructure development
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Fintech and digital economy governance
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Arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution frameworks
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Legal technology and regulatory innovation
The conference aims to serve as a neutral and forward-looking platform where policymakers, industry leaders, and the legal community can collectively examine how legal and regulatory systems must evolve to support sustainable economic growth. The dialogue is intended not only as an exchange of ideas but as a catalyst for practical cooperation, enabling law to function as a strategic driver of investment confidence and innovation.
Following the opening and welcome addresses by representatives of GCAI, BCLP, and the Law Society of England and Wales, the conference will proceed with a series of thematic sessions focusing on investment, dispute resolution, and institutional development, bringing together senior policymakers, legal practitioners, business leaders, and international experts.
Among the distinguished speakers and participants expected to be present are:
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Mukul Rohatgi, Senior Advocate and former Attorney General for India
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Lord (Christopher) Bellamy KC, Barrister and Member of Monckton Chambers & Former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice
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Philip Wood, CBE, KC (Hon), distinguished lawyer, author, and scholar
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Jimmy Yim, SC, Chairman, Drew & Napier LLC
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Sudhanshu Swaroop, KC, Twenty Essex
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Geeta Luthra, Vice-President, Indian Council of Arbitration and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
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Dr. Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Judge of the Bahrain International Commercial Court, and former Additional Solicitor General of India
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Gourab Banerji, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India
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Nusrat Hassan, Managing Partner, Dentons Link Legal
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Mahesh Agarwal, Managing Partner, Agarwal Law Associates
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Sherina Petit, Partner and Head of International Arbitration and the India Practice, Stewarts Law
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Christine Graham, Partner, BCLP
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Shivani Sanghi, Partner, BCLP
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Babita Ambekar, Co-Head of India Group, CMS
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Karishma Vora, Barrister and Arbitrator, 39 Essex Chambers
The conference programme will also include a Special Address by the Chief Guest, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, followed by a special address and closing remarks by The Right Honourable Lord Hermer KC, Attorney General for England and Wales, and Brett Dixon, Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales.
The event is also expected to witness participation from members of the judiciary, senior government officials from India and the United Kingdom, arbitration institutions such as the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration (MCIA), along with global business leaders, general counsels, international law firms, and leading academics.
Together, these distinguished participants will engage in meaningful discussions on how legal frameworks can better support investment, innovation, and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving global environment.
The GCAI looks forward to welcoming all participants to this significant conference shaping the future of the India—UK legal and economic partnership.
