FICL Symposium on “Arbitration in India: The Road Ahead” | 23 July 2025
On 23 July 2025, the FICL organised a symposium on “Arbitration in India: The Road Ahead” at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
The event was graced by Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Hon’ble Law Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India, who delivered the Special Address. The Keynote Address was delivered by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, Judge, Supreme Court of India.
The symposium was supported by the Department of Legal Affairs, Government of India, and brought together legal experts, policy-makers, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the evolving landscape of arbitration in India.
FICL acknowledges Lex Indis, Law Offices as the Event Partner. A full-service law firm with offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, Lex Indis is known for delivering cost-effective legal solutions across diverse practice areas.
Felicitation of Guest of Honour by Ms. Sandhya Yadav, GC, ONGC
Felicitation of Chief Guest by Sh Ajay Kumar Tandon Managing Partner, Lex Indis
Opening Remarks by Dr. Ashok Sharma FCIArb, CEO-FICL, who provided a concise overview of arbitration’s historical roots in India — from its presence in ancient family and community-based dispute resolution practices to its transformation into a formalised alternative dispute resolution mechanism in contemporary times. Dr. Sharma highlighted how India’s arbitration framework has evolved through legislative reforms and judicial pronouncements, yet continues to face structural and procedural challenges. He emphasized the importance of collective dialogue and institutional cooperation in shaping a more efficient and equitable arbitration system.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Law Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, provided the Special Address, reiterating the government’s firm commitment to strengthening India’s arbitration regime. She noted that the past decade has seen significant legislative progress, particularly since the 2015 amendments that brought procedural clarity and accountability. Dr. Rana stated that “arbitration at its heart is a measure of trust,” and emphasized that reform is not only about legislative change, but also about transforming the mindset with which dispute resolution is approached.
She highlighted the government’s focus on building institutional capacity through initiatives like the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), and stressed that developing a credible arbitration ecosystem is a shared responsibility. “It is not the job of one institution or ministry, it lies equally with everyone,” she said.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as the Chief Guest, who delivered a powerful Keynote Address. Justice Dhulia critically examined the current state of arbitration in India, expressing concern that it is increasingly seen as “a rich man’s litigation”, inaccessible to the common litigant. He pointed to the persistent pendency of arbitration-related cases, including the prolonged litigation over appointment of arbitrators under Section 11, which often drags on for years.
He further questioned whether the core promise of arbitration — speedy, efficient, and cost-effective justice — is being delivered, especially in light of significant judicial interference and procedural delays. Justice Dhulia also addressed the recent office memorandum restricting arbitration in government contracts below ₹10 crore, reflecting concerns over adverse awards. He stressed the need for adopting institutional arbitration as a norm, without which India’s ambition to become a global arbitration hub would face serious obstacles. Highlighting the growing burden on higher judiciary from arbitration matters, he advocated for urgent reforms in Sections 34 and 37 of the Arbitration Act and better legislative drafting.
The session concluded with Closing Remarks by Mr. Deepak Dhawan, who eloquently summarised the key themes and concerns raised during the day. He reflected on the challenges of balancing institutional growth with user-centric reforms and emphasised that the path forward must be inclusive, transparent, and rooted in both legal rigor and practical wisdom. Mr. Dhawan thanked the speakers, delegates, and partners for their active participation and insights.
The symposium featured a rich exchange of ideas and experiences from various stakeholders in the legal and corporate community, with discussions revolving around improving access, institutionalisation, speed, and cost-efficiency in arbitration.
FICL expresses its sincere gratitude to the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India, for their support, and extends special thanks to Lex Indis, Law Offices for partnering with us for the event. Lex Indis is a full-service law firm with offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, known for its commitment to providing cost-effective legal solutions across practice areas.
As India seeks to position itself as a preferred venue for international arbitration, events like these reaffirm the importance of continued dialogue, reform, and collaboration. FICL remains committed to facilitating such platforms for meaningful engagement and policy development in the legal sector.