India-UK Arbitration Ties Deepen Following FTA, Says CJI Gavai

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Thursday emphasised the deep-rooted legal arbitration connection between India and the United Kingdom, built on the foundations of common law.

He noted that this relationship has gained fresh momentum following the signing of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) last month.

Delivering the inaugural address at the third edition of the International Conference on Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes, held in London, CJI Gavai said the new trade deal creates avenues for robust cross-border trade and deeper legal collaboration.

Arjun Ram Meghwal Highlights India’s Position As Global Arbitration Hub

Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, in his keynote address, highlighted India’s ambition to become a global arbitration hub on par with Singapore and London.

He described the FTA as a ‘historic milestone’ expected to double bilateral trade by 2030.

“The FTA will drive investment, innovation, and partnerships in technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and services,” Meghwal said.

He further added that creating a business-friendly legal environment is central to Prime Minister Modi’s Viksit Bharat vision.

Meghwal also visited the Swaminarayan temple in London, where he also performed the rituals. Sharing the same, Arjun Ram Meghwal took to X and wrote, “Today I had the good fortune of visiting and worshipping at the grand Swaminarayan temple in London. On this occasion I prayed to God for the welfare, happiness, peace and prosperity of all. Through such holy places, Indian culture and spirituality is being spread for the welfare of the entire world.”

Strengthening Arbitration Through Legal Reform

CJI Gavai outlined India’s steps to strengthen its dispute resolution framework, especially in international arbitration.

He referred to the Bar Council of India’s May 14 notification allowing foreign law firms to operate in non-litigation areas such as arbitration.

“The Bar Council has clarified that foreign lawyers may participate in international commercial arbitration in India, provided it involves foreign or international law,” he explained.

He said these reforms would bring global best practices into India’s legal ecosystem and unlock new opportunities for Indian lawyers in cross-border arbitration.

The CJI said the 2018 India-UK MoU boosted cooperation in dispute resolution, training, and legal services.

“The new FTA has further cemented this legal and economic relationship,” he added.

He said efficient and committed resolution matters more than the disputes themselves.

UK Legal Experts Hail Growing Collaboration

UK Judge Lord Briggs called the conference timely, citing the recent FTA signing.

“This is an ideal moment to celebrate the evolving relationship between courts and arbitration in our two countries,” he said.

Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami said the FTA gives British firms equal access to Indian government procurement.

“The agreement opens doors in multiple service sectors and encourages innovation in dispute settlement,” he said.

The Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) organised the conference as part of London International Disputes Week (LIDW). ICA Director Arun Chawla noted the ‘unmistakable’ momentum in legal cooperation between India and the UK.

Also Read: Chief Justice BR Gavai On Arbitration, Fraud Concerns, & The Role Of Courts