{"id":349815,"date":"2025-06-05T17:00:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T11:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/?p=349815"},"modified":"2025-06-06T10:33:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T05:03:08","slug":"law-minister-arjun-ram-meghwal-at-ica-conference-on-arbitrating-indo-uk-commercial-disputes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2025\/06\/05\/law-minister-arjun-ram-meghwal-at-ica-conference-on-arbitrating-indo-uk-commercial-disputes\/","title":{"rendered":"ICA conference on \u2018Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes\u2019: Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal shares India\u2019s Vision for Global Leadership in Arbitration and Dispute Resolution"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Indian Council of Arbitration (\u2018ICA\u2019), India\u2019s premier arbitral institution, hosted the 3rd edition of its International Conference on \u201cArbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes<\/span>\u201d on 05-06-2025, at Church House Westminster, London, during the London International Disputes Week 2025 (LIDW).<\/p>\n

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The Conference was inaugurated by Justice B R Gavai, Chief Justice of India<\/span>, who delivered the inaugural address. The special address was delivered by Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Conference also featured a Keynote Address by The Right Hon Lord Briggs of Westbourne, Judge of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom<\/span>, 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.<\/p>\n

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Keynote Address of Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of Law & Justice, Government of India<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

Speaking on broader institutional reforms, the Law Minister underlined India\u2019s commitment to promoting a robust, fair, and efficient dispute resolution ecosystem, noting that alternative dispute resolution (\u2018ADR\u2019), 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\u2019s vision of becoming a global business hub.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo 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.\u201d<\/span> – Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal<\/span><\/p>\n

Major Legal Reforms in Arbitration and ADR<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo 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.\u201d<\/span> – Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal<\/span><\/p>\n

These include:<\/p>\n