National Conference on Institutional Arbitration at Bharat Mandapam underscores India’s commitment to structured, efficient dispute resolution frameworks
15 June 2025, New Delhi
In a significant move to position India as a global centre for arbitration, the Ministry of Law and Justice, in collaboration with ONGC and the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), organised a National Conference on “Institutional Arbitration: An Effective Framework for Dispute Resolution” on June 14, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The day-long conference brought together top legal minds, senior government officials, representatives from Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), and arbitration professionals. The event aimed to promote institutional arbitration as the preferred method for commercial dispute resolution and to elevate IIAC’s global stature.
Delivering the keynote address, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, emphasised India’s cultural and historical legacy in consensual dispute resolution. “Arbitration is deeply rooted in our traditions. With institutional reforms and focused vision, India will become the arbitration hub,” he declared.
The inaugural session featured Justice Hemant Gupta (Retd.), Chairperson of IIAC, who highlighted challenges such as over-reliance on ad hoc arbitration and called for a robust shift towards institutional mechanisms. He underscored the transformation from the International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR) to the India International Arbitration Centre as a landmark decision.
Shri Avnit Singh Arora, Director, Department of Legal Affairs, outlined recent legislative reforms and policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the arbitration ecosystem in India. His presentation reflected the government’s commitment to aligning dispute resolution with global best practices.
Industry perspectives were shared by Shri Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman, ONGC, who advocated for speed and structure in arbitration, noting, “Timeliness, not timelessness, should define our legal ethos.” Echoing his sentiment, Shri K Moses Chalai, Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, highlighted how efficient arbitration directly impacts the governance and operational agility of CPSEs.
Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, provided an overview of major legal reforms, including repealing outdated laws and the digitisation of court systems. She reaffirmed the Government’s goal to develop IIAC into a world-class arbitral institution, suggesting that PSU contracts increasingly incorporate dispute resolution clauses that designate IIAC as the preferred arbitration platform.
This landmark conference signals a firm step forward in India’s journey toward becoming a leading destination for institutional arbitration, with a clear vision, supportive policy, and institutional strength driving the way forward.