India on Track to Become Global Arbitration Hub, Says Law Minister

At a landmark conference on Institutional Arbitration held on June 14, 2025, in New Delhi, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized the critical need for a robust ecosystem of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in India. He declared that India is poised to become a global hub of arbitration, aiming to boost investor confidence and reduce the mounting burden on Indian courts through a system that favors speed, efficiency, and corporate flexibility.

Why in News?

India hosted a high-level conference on Institutional Arbitration at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, organized by the Department of Legal Affairs. With the participation of legal, corporate, and government stakeholders, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal asserted that a strengthened ADR mechanism—especially arbitration—will make India a preferred destination for international dispute resolution.

Key Objectives and Highlights

• Strengthen Institutional Arbitration as an effective alternative to court litigation
• Promote ADR mechanisms including arbitration, mediation, and conciliation
• Reduce court backlog and offer faster resolution for commercial disputes
• Create an ecosystem favorable to investors and global businesses

Important Statements & Participants

Arjun Ram Meghwal (Union Minister of State for Law & Justice)

• Emphasized India’s goal to become a global arbitration hub
• Called for organizational flexibility and resilience
• Stated arbitration is rooted in Indian cultural traditions

Arun Kumar Singh (ONGC Chairman)

• Urged arbitration to be “time-bound” and “more corporate, less legal”

Anju Rathi Rana (Law Secretary)

• Highlighted recent government push for institutional over ad hoc arbitration
• Advocated for minimal judicial intervention in arbitration proceedings

Justice (Retd.) Hemant Gupta (Chairman, India International Arbitration Centre)

• Stressed on the mindset shift needed to adopt institutional arbitration

Significance for India

• Strengthening ADR aligns with Ease of Doing Business reforms
• Helps reduce pendency of over 5 crore cases in Indian courts
• Makes India a favorable destination for FDI and international contracts
• Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by building self-reliant legal infrastructure