As India continues its journey towards becoming a preferred global hub for international commercial dispute resolution, institutional arbitration has assumed renewed significance. Against the backdrop of the Fourth Edition of “Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes”, held during London International Disputes Week (LIDW), The Bar Bulletin spoke with Arun Chawla, Director General of the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) on India’s evolving arbitration ecosystem, judicial support for alternative dispute resolution, the impact of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, and the road ahead for cross-border commercial dispute resolution.
1. ICA has organised the fourth edition of “Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes” during London International Disputes Week. What makes this conference significant?
Arun Chawla: This conference has evolved into one of ICA’s most significant international initiatives. Over the years, it has emerged as a respected platform that brings together leading practitioners, arbitrators, judges, academics and business leaders from India and across the world to engage in meaningful discussions on contemporary arbitration issues.
Hosting the conference alongside London International Disputes Week enables ICA to showcase India’s arbitration reforms, institutional capabilities and growing role in international dispute resolution before a highly influential global audience.
More importantly, the conference reflects India’s increasing engagement with the international arbitration community and reinforces our commitment to becoming a preferred destination for international commercial dispute resolution.
2. The conference was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India. How significant is the judiciary’s support for arbitration, and what role has Justice Surya Kant played in advancing this vision?
Arun Chawla: The support of the Indian judiciary has been one of the defining factors behind the remarkable progress of India’s arbitration ecosystem over the last decade. Progressive judicial pronouncements and a consistent effort to minimise unnecessary court intervention have substantially enhanced confidence in arbitration as an efficient and reliable mechanism for resolving commercial disputes.
I would particularly acknowledge the leadership and vision of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India. Throughout his distinguished judicial career, he has consistently highlighted the importance of efficient dispute resolution, timely justice delivery and the role of arbitration and mediation in promoting economic growth and ease of doing business.
As India aspires to emerge as a leading centre for international commercial dispute resolution, the continued partnership between the judiciary, government, legal profession, industry and institutions like ICA will remain indispensable. The inauguration of this conference by the Hon’ble Chief Justice is a powerful affirmation of that shared vision.
3. How does this conference support India’s broader economic and business objectives?
Arun Chawla: A robust dispute resolution framework is fundamental to economic growth and investor confidence. Businesses seek certainty, predictability and efficient mechanisms for resolving disputes, particularly in cross-border transactions.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the importance of improving the ease of doing business and creating an investor-friendly environment. Effective arbitration directly supports these objectives by reducing litigation risks, facilitating contract enforcement and providing greater confidence to domestic as well as international investors.
Through this conference, ICA highlights India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its arbitration framework, enhance institutional capacity and align itself with global best practices. These initiatives contribute directly to investment promotion, commercial certainty and India’s aspiration to become a leading global business destination.
4. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement has recently been concluded. What implications does this have for arbitration and dispute resolution?
Arun Chawla: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement marks a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations. As trade, investment and commercial engagement between the two countries expand, the volume and complexity of cross-border transactions will naturally increase.
This growth will inevitably create a greater need for efficient, neutral and internationally credible dispute resolution mechanisms. Arbitration and mediation will play an increasingly important role in ensuring commercial certainty, protecting investments, preserving business relationships and facilitating seamless cross-border commerce.
The conference provides an ideal platform to deliberate on how India and the United Kingdom can deepen cooperation in arbitration, mediation and legal services to complement the expanding economic partnership and create a stronger dispute resolution ecosystem for businesses operating across jurisdictions.