Mr Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India while speaking at ICDR Conference said that India has always been a land of commerce, connecting the far West to Southeast Asia. Our history as a trading nation is rich, and today, that legacy continues in a modern, robust economy. From a total export value of USD 40.1 billion in 2000 to USD 458.3 billion in 2022, and similarly, from imports valued at USD 60.8 billion to USD 725.4 billion in the same period, the numbers speak volumes about the pace at which we are strengthening our economy.
But what drives this growth? The collaborative efforts of the legislature, executive, and judiciary – all have been instrumental in strengthening our economy. This isn’t just my perspective, but one validated by global indicators. In the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, India surged from 142nd in 2014 to 63rd by 2019—a remarkable improvement that highlights our commitment to making business smoother, both within our borders and for international partnerships.
India’s strategic location plays a vital role in this. Our country is uniquely positioned to align with the business hours of both the East and the West, thanks to our time zone. This enables seamless coordination with global markets during the working day, making India a natural hub for international trade. And the very same strength make India the most suited geographical location for international dispute resolution.
In the legal realm, the past few decades have seen a paradigm shift towards arbitration as the preferred method of dispute resolution. When I first entered the practice of law, disputes would drag on for years. But as businesses recognized the efficiency and flexibility of arbitration, it became the go-to method, often preserving business relationships that might otherwise have been strained through prolonged litigation.
However, as many here would agree, the original advantages of arbitration—speed, cost-efficiency, and party autonomy—began to blur over time. Conferences like these are crucial in reminding us why arbitration was chosen in the first place and ensuring we maintain the fundamental benefits that make it a superior alternative to traditional court proceedings. Further, in Late Fali S. Nariman’s words: conferences like these are crucial in ensuring perineal scrutiny of arbitration and its process.
Today, it is encouraging to see Indian parties increasingly turning to institutional arbitration. While ad-hoc arbitration still holds sway in some sectors, particularly with Public Sector Undertakings, the move towards structured, rule-based arbitration is gaining momentum. This trend is further supported by India’s judiciary, which has been a strong proponent of minimal judicial intervention and promoting arbitration, as evidenced by landmark cases like Vidya Drolia v. Durga Trading, (2021) 2 SCC 1.
Moreover, India’s courts have shown a growing awareness of the need for more diverse arbitrator appointments, extending opportunities beyond retired judges to include younger members of the bar and domain experts. This shift is enhancing the efficiency of arbitration and fostering greater confidence in the system, both domestically and internationally.
On the international front, we are seeing an uptick in cross-border arbitration involving Indian and foreign parties, with many choosing institutions that offer tailored solutions and established rules.
While the Hon’ble Courts in India continue to uphold arbitration as a key mechanism for dispute resolution, the increased enforcement of foreign awards, as seen in cases like Avitel Post Studios Limited v. HPEIF Holdings 1 Limited, underscores our commitment to aligning with global standards of arbitration. This should inspire confidence in foreign investors and parties that India is a safe and effective jurisdiction for resolving disputes.
India is not only a growing economic powerhouse but also a promising hub for efficient and effective dispute resolution. Our unique geographical position, commitment to arbitration, and supportive judiciary all make India a prime destination for resolving international disputes. Needless to say, the presence of ICDR in India is a welcome development, bringing with it structured timelines and greater flexibility, all of which serve to enhance the efficiency of proceedings. However, as we aim to enhance arbitration in India, we must embrace a diverse panel of arbitrators that reflects global perspectives. Diversity enriches the decision-making process, bringing varied expertise, experiences, and cultural understanding to the table. We should also prioritize gender and intergenerational diversity and ensure that their panels represent the broader international business community. This inclusivity strengthens credibility, enhances trust, and positions the institution as truly global, capable of handling complex, cross-border disputes efficiently and impartially.
He also further quoted that “I am confident that India will continue to grow and evolve. There’s a timeless adage: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. By fostering collaboration within the Indian arbitration ecosystem and working alongside international institutions like the ICDR, we can achieve remarkable advancements in arbitration and dispute resolution. Thank you for your attention, and I wish you all a delightful evening ahead.”