The India–CEE Region Arbitration and Legal Cooperation Conference was held at The Lalit, New Delhi, jointly organised by the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and the Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC). The conference brought together judges, senior government officials, international legal experts, corporate counsel, and arbitration practitioners to strengthen institutional arbitration, foster Indo-CEE legal cooperation, and explore new frameworks for commercial dispute resolution.
The conference commenced with Shashwat Bajpai, Founder of DRSB Law Chambers, who welcomed the guests and underscored the objective of creating a sustainable platform for collaboration between India and the CEE region.
In his Welcome Address, Dr. Lalit Bhasin, President of SILF, called for a rethinking of conventional terminology. As he said:
“Globally and region wise as I could say it, the thrust is also that we must remove this word ‘A’ from ADR. It is no longer an Alternate Dispute Resolution. Arbitration, mediation, and conciliation are independent of litigation. They are not secondary to litigation. Therefore, they must be given their own eminence and importance.”
Dr. Bhasin’s address underscored how India must develop arbitration as a primary mechanism of dispute resolution, not as an alternative.
Guest of Honour Ms. Kirsten Peckl, Deputy Commercial Counsellor at Advantage Austria, stressed that robust arbitration frameworks would enhance investor confidence and trade cooperation between India and the CEE region.
Delivering the Special Address, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to promote institutional arbitration, noting that arbitration and mediation must be treated at par with litigation.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Hon’ble Justice Tejas Karia, Judge, Delhi High Court, who emphasised the role of arbitration as an enabler of innovation, commerce, and trust. Justice Karia remarked:
“Arbitration and mediation are not alternatives to litigation but independent and equally significant methods of dispute resolution.”
He underscored the need for institutional mechanisms in India aligned with global best practices, adding that predictability, neutrality, and efficiency remain the cornerstones of international arbitration.
Adding a global perspective, Ms. Niamh Leinwather, Secretary General of VIAC, spoke on the importance of neutrality and fairness in arbitration. Highlighting VIAC’s expedited procedures and transparent cost structure, she also discussed the growing role of AI:
“The question is not whether AI will be used in arbitration, it will. The real debate is whether institutions must disclose how AI is used.”
Following the inaugural session, Mr. Arush Khanna, Partner at Numen Law Offices and VIAC Ambassador for India, delivered the Vote of Thanks.
A landmark Cooperation Agreement was then signed between SILF and VIAC by Dr. Bhasin and Ms. Leinwather. The agreement was described as a “historic step” to deepen economic, political, and legal collaboration between India and the CEE region, providing a strong foundation for confidence and stability in trade and investment.
The panel session that followed featured leading practitioners including Mr. Nusrat Hassan (Dentons Link Legal), Mr. Shujath Bin Ali, and Ms. Vani Mehta (GE Aerospace). Discussions focused on expedited procedures, emergency arbitration, drafting of arbitration clauses, and the growing role of AI in dispute resolution. Speakers agreed that institutional arbitration is not only cost-effective but also strengthens confidence in the justice delivery system.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Lalit Bhasin, who noted that the SILF-VIAC partnership would serve as “a foundation for better, faster, and more reliable resolution of commercial disputes, ensuring confidence and stability in trade and investment.”
One thought on “Justice Tejas Karia: Arbitration and Mediation Are Not Alternatives, But Independent Pillars of Justice”
Mediation is the best.
Parties know.
Let them say what is good.
India has much to share in the family and matrimonial Maters in Mediation.
Looking forward to more global conferences.
15-09-2025. Ædaiodi.