Speaking at the SIAC Annual India Conference 2026 – Delhi, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal, highlighted India’s growing stature in international arbitration and underscored the importance of collaboration between India and Singapore in shaping the future of global dispute resolution.
Congratulating the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) for bringing together legal experts, policymakers and practitioners from across jurisdictions, Mr. Meghwal described the inauguration of SIAC’s Delhi liaison office as a significant milestone reflecting growing confidence in India’s legal ecosystem. He said the development symbolised India’s emergence as a preferred destination for international commercial dispute resolution.
India’s arbitration journey rooted in civilisational values
Tracing the historical foundations of dispute resolution in India, Mr. Meghwal observed that arbitration and mediation are deeply embedded in the country’s civilisational traditions. Referring to the Mahabharata, he noted that Lord Krishna first sought dialogue and mediation before conflict, while the Arthashastra recognised the importance of impartial adjudication in commerce. He also referred to the tradition of Panch Parmeshwar and merchant guilds as early examples of trusted mechanisms for resolving disputes fairly and transparently.
According to Mr. Meghwal, India’s contemporary arbitration framework carries forward this legacy through modern institutions, progressive legislation and strong international partnerships.
Growing economy requires trusted dispute resolution systems
Highlighting India’s economic growth, Mr. Meghwal said that the country has emerged as one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations, offering stability,resilience, and sustained economic growth amidst global geopolitical uncertainties. He pointed to the increasing number of multinational companies establishing Global Capability Centres in India as evidence of growing investor confidence.
As cross-border commercial activity continues to expand, he said, the demand for efficient and credible dispute resolution mechanisms will only increase. In this context, he noted that the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) and SIAC’s Delhi liaison office will play complementary roles in strengthening India’s arbitration ecosystem by enhancing institutional collaboration and supporting international businesses investing and operating in the country.
Arbitration must remain fair, efficient and future-ready
Speaking on the conference theme, “International Arbitration: Navigating New Realities and Stress-Testing the Framework”, Mr. Meghwal emphasised that dispute resolution systems must adapt to changing economic and technological realities while remaining anchored in fundamental principles such as fairness, neutrality, efficiency, party autonomy and the rule of law.
He observed that geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, evolving supply chains and increasingly complex cross-border transactions have created new challenges for arbitration systems worldwide. Against this backdrop, he described arbitration as no longer merely an alternative dispute resolution mechanism but an indispensable pillar of sustainable global commerce.
India and Singapore’s shared opportunity
Calling the twenty-first century the “century of Asia”, Mr. Meghwal said India and Singapore have a unique opportunity to influence the future development of international arbitration. He noted that both countries are vibrant democracies united by a strong commitment to the rule of law.
He further stated that the two nations could together present a model arbitration ecosystem based on neutrality, commercial certainty, institutional excellence and innovation.
The Minister also noted that the conference was taking place during the celebration of six decades of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. Describing the bilateral relationship as one founded on mutual trust and shared values, he said that cooperation between the two countries extends beyond trade and investment to legal collaboration and dispute resolution.
Legislative reforms strengthening India’s arbitration framework
Addressing recent legal developments, Mr. Meghwal said India has undertaken significant legislative reforms aimed at strengthening arbitration and dispute resolution mechanisms.
He referred to amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act in recent years that have sought to reduce judicial intervention, promote institutional arbitration and improve procedural efficiency. He also highlighted the role of commercial courts in facilitating the expeditious resolution of commercial disputes.
The establishment of the India International Arbitration Centre, he said, reflects the Government’s commitment to developing world-class arbitral institutions in India.
Mr. Meghwal also pointed to the Mediation Act, 2023, which has created a comprehensive statutory framework for mediation by recognising mediated settlement agreements and encouraging pre-litigation mediation as a means of consensual dispute resolution.
According to him, these reforms have been reinforced by a progressive judicial approach that consistently upholds party autonomy, enforces arbitral awards and limits unnecessary judicial interference.
Technology transforming justice delivery
Beyond legislative reforms, Mr. Meghwal highlighted the role of technology in modernising India’s justice delivery system. He referred to initiatives such as the e-Courts Mission Mode Project, virtual hearings, e-filing systems, digitisation of court records and AI-assisted judicial initiatives.
These measures, he said, demonstrate India’s commitment to building a digital justice ecosystem that is efficient, transparent and accessible.
Continued collaboration essential
Concluding his address, Mr. Meghwal said that the continued evolution of India’s arbitration ecosystem is closely linked to the country’s broader economic ambitions. He described the growing partnership between India and institutions such as SIAC as a reflection of a shared commitment to advancing international arbitration through cooperation, innovation, capacity-building and the adoption of best practices.
Emphasising the importance of institutional collaboration, he stated that governments, judiciaries, arbitral institutions, practitioners, businesses and academia must work together to strengthen global dispute resolution systems.
Expressing confidence in the future of India-Singapore cooperation, Mr. Meghwal said that the two countries could together establish one of the world’s most credible and future-ready models of international arbitration and commercial dispute resolution. He added that discussions at the conference would contribute to deeper legal and commercial engagement between the two nations and help build a more resilient global dispute resolution framework.
