उपराज्यपाल, दिल्ली

                                                                 April 10, 2026

Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Mr. Justice Surya Kant
President, ICA, Dr. N G Khaitan
Director General, ICA, Mr. Arun Chawla
Vice President, ICA, Ms. Geeta
Esteemed members of the legal fraternity
Arbitrators, experts and delegates
Friends from the media
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a pleasure to be present at the 5th Edition of the ICA International Conference on “Arbitration in the Era of Globalization.” I thank the organisers for bringing together such a distinguished gathering committed to strengthening India’s dispute resolution ecosystem.

At the outset, let me acknowledge, the role of the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA), as one of India’s oldest and most significant arbitral institutions. Over the years, it has administered thousands of arbitrations, across domestic, international, and maritime domains, reflecting both, its institutional maturity and the growing confidence, of users in institutional arbitration, in India.

In today’s deeply interconnected world, economic activity transcends borders. Trade, investment, and supply chains operate across jurisdictions, making disputes more frequent and complex. In this environment, arbitration is no longer just an alternative mechanism—it is an essential pillar of global commerce.

Its value lies in three core attributes: neutrality, predictability, and enforceability. Together, these provide businesses the confidence that disputes can be resolved fairly, efficiently, and across borders. This, in turn, strengthens investor confidence and contributes directly to ease of doing business.

As India continues to expand its role in the global economy, the importance of reliable dispute resolution systems becomes even more critical. India is increasingly pursuing, what is often described, as a policy of multialignment—engaging constructively, with multiple partners across regions, while advancing, its own national interests.

Investors today look beyond market opportunities—they seek assurance of stability, consistency, and trust in institutional frameworks.
This is where institutions such as ICA play a transformative role.

Going forward, ICA is well placed to act not just as an administrator of disputes, but as a driver of institutional excellence. It can contribute to building global confidence in India as a credible arbitration destination by promoting best practices, enhancing procedural efficiency, and fostering greater alignment with international standards.

Equally important is its potential role as a bridge—bringing together government, industry, and the legal community to shape a responsive and forward-looking arbitration ecosystem. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, such institutions must lead in innovation, capacity building, and international engagement.

India’s broader economic and strategic trajectory supports this vision. As the country deepens its global partnerships and advances its development goals, strengthening arbitration aligns with the need for a predictable and rules-based environment for commerce.

Delhi, as the national capital, holds a unique position, in this ecosystem. It is home, to key institutions of governance, including the Supreme Court of India, central ministries, regulatory authorities, and a wide range of diplomatic missions. It also hosts, leading law firms, arbitration practitioners, and corporate entities. This concentration of institutional, legal, and commercial activity, provides Delhi with a natural advantage, in emerging as a centre for arbitration, and legal services.

The development of Delhi, as a global arbitration hub is not merely a matter of infrastructure, but of institutional alignment, and sustained policy support. International experience offers, useful benchmarks, in this regard. Jurisdictions such as Singapore, have demonstrated, how deliberate policy frameworks, supported by strong institutions, like the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, and a pro-arbitration judicial stance, can create globally trusted arbitration, seats. Similarly, London’s position, as a leading arbitration hub, reflects a combination of legal tradition, institutional stability, and consistent jurisprudence.

International experience shows that credible arbitration hubs are built through sustained effort—combining strong institutions, supportive legal frameworks, and consistent judicial backing. India already possesses these foundational elements, and with focused efforts, can significantly enhance its global standing.

Arbitration, in this context, is more than a legal tool—it is an enabler of economic growth. It reduces uncertainty, strengthens commercial relationships, and reinforces trust in systems.

Conferences such as this are valuable platforms for dialogue and collaboration. They help identify emerging challenges, share best practices, and shape the future direction of arbitration in India.
In conclusion, arbitration in the era of globalization is both an economic necessity and a strategic imperative. Institutions like ICA have a crucial role to play in shaping a modern, efficient, and globally aligned arbitration ecosystem.

With sustained effort and collaboration, India can position itself as a preferred destination for dispute resolution—reinforcing its place in the global economic order.

Ultimately, arbitration is built on trust—trust in institutions, processes, and outcomes. Strengthening that trust will be key to India’s journey towards becoming a global arbitration hub.

Thank you.