International Law, Arbitration & ADR

Cross-border dispute resolution, international commercial arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) — representing clients across global arbitral institutions and forums.

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Resolving Disputes Beyond Borders and Courtrooms

International business disputes demand resolution mechanisms that are faster, confidential, and enforceable across jurisdictions. Our International Law & ADR practice provides strategic representation in arbitration proceedings worldwide and across India's growing alternative dispute resolution ecosystem.

From institutional arbitration before SIAC, LCIA, and ICC to domestic arbitration under the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996, mediation, conciliation, Lok Adalat proceedings, and the emerging field of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) — we cover every non-litigation pathway available.

We also advise on international trade law, FEMA/RBI compliance for cross-border transactions, export-import regulations, maritime disputes, and treaty-based investor-state disputes.

SIACSingapore Arbitration

LCIALondon Arbitration

ICCParis Arbitration

ODROnline Dispute Resolution

What We Handle

Arbitration, ADR & International Law Services

Comprehensive dispute resolution beyond the courtroom — from cross-border arbitration to digital ODR platforms.

International Commercial Arbitration

Representing claimants and respondents before SIAC, LCIA, ICC, HKIAC, and other leading arbitral institutions. We handle arbitration clause drafting, commencement of proceedings, statement of claim/defense, document production, witness preparation, hearings, and award enforcement across jurisdictions under the New York Convention.

Domestic Arbitration

Ad-hoc and institutional arbitration under the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 (as amended 2019/2021). Arbitration clause drafting for commercial contracts, appointment of arbitrators, interim relief applications under Section 9, conduct of proceedings, challenge of awards under Section 34, and execution of awards under Section 36.

Mediation & Conciliation

Pre-litigation and court-referred mediation under the Mediation Act, 2023. We represent clients in commercial mediation, family mediation, workplace mediation, and cross-border mediation. Conciliation proceedings under Part III of the Arbitration Act and settlement agreement drafting that results in enforceable decrees.

Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)

Representation on ODR platforms for e-commerce disputes, fintech conflicts, insurance claims, consumer grievances, and contractual disagreements. We assist clients with NITI Aayog-recognized ODR platforms, RBI-mandated ODR for digital payments, and international ODR mechanisms. We also help businesses integrate ODR clauses into their contracts and terms of service.

Lok Adalat & Negotiated Settlements

Representation at National and State Lok Adalats for pre-litigation settlement of motor accident claims, utility disputes, banking matters, labour disputes, and matrimonial cases. We also handle direct negotiated settlements and consent terms for pending litigation across all courts and tribunals.

FEMA, RBI & Cross-Border Transactions

Legal advisory on foreign exchange regulations, FDI compliance, ODI filings, ECB structuring, LRS transactions, FEMA compounding, and RBI approvals. Structuring cross-border contracts, international joint ventures, technology transfer agreements, and NRI investment into India with full regulatory compliance.

International Trade & Maritime Law

Export-import regulatory compliance, DGFT licensing, customs disputes, Incoterms advisory, letter of credit disputes, bills of lading claims, cargo damage recovery, charter party disputes, ship arrest proceedings, and maritime arbitration. We advise on international sanctions compliance and trade embargo issues.

Investment Treaty Arbitration

Advisory on bilateral investment treaty (BIT) protections, investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms, expropriation claims, fair and equitable treatment standards, and most-favoured-nation clause analysis. We assist foreign investors with pre-dispute treaty mapping and dispute notice preparation.

Arbitration Award Enforcement

Enforcement of domestic arbitral awards under Section 36, enforcement of foreign awards under Part II (New York Convention & Geneva Convention), objections to enforcement, and execution proceedings. We also handle setting aside applications and appeals against enforcement orders across High Courts.

Institutions & Forums

Where We Represent Clients

Global and domestic arbitral institutions and ADR forums.

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SIAC — Singapore

Singapore International Arbitration Centre. Asia's premier arbitral institution for commercial disputes.

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LCIA — London

London Court of International Arbitration. Preferred for English-law governed disputes.

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ICC — Paris

International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration. The world's leading arbitral institution.

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MCIA — Mumbai

Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration. India's leading institutional arbitration centre.

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DIAC — Delhi

Delhi International Arbitration Centre under the Delhi HC. Handles commercial and statutory arbitrations.

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ODR Platforms

NITI Aayog-recognized ODR platforms, SAMA, Presolv360, and RBI-mandated ODR for digital payment disputes.

Our Process

How We Approach Dispute Resolution

Dispute Assessment & Strategy

We analyze the dispute, review applicable contracts and arbitration clauses, assess governing law and seat selection, evaluate the merits and quantum, and recommend the most effective resolution pathway — whether arbitration, mediation, ODR, or Lok Adalat.

Commencement & Preliminary Steps

Filing the request for arbitration or mediation application, appointing the tribunal, addressing jurisdictional challenges, and securing emergency/interim relief where required. For ODR, we initiate proceedings on the relevant platform and prepare the digital case file.

Pleadings, Evidence & Submissions

Preparing comprehensive statements of claim/defense, witness statements, expert reports, document production, and written submissions. We handle virtual and in-person hearings, cross-examination, and closing arguments before the tribunal or mediator.

Award, Settlement & Enforcement

Securing the arbitral award or mediated settlement agreement. Post-award, we handle enforcement proceedings under the Arbitration Act and New York Convention, challenge applications if needed, and execution of awards through Indian courts.

Legal Framework

Key Laws & Conventions

Arbitration

Arbitration & Conciliation Act 1996 (amended 2015, 2019, 2021), New York Convention, Geneva Convention, UNCITRAL Model Law

Mediation

Mediation Act 2023, Section 89 CPC (court-referred mediation), Commercial Courts Act (mandatory pre-institution mediation)

International Trade

Foreign Trade (D&R) Act, FEMA 1999, Customs Act 1962, DGFT Policy, Admiralty (Jurisdiction) Act 2017

ODR Framework

NITI Aayog ODR Handbook, RBI Circular on ODR for Digital Payments, Information Technology Act 2000, Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules

Investment Treaties

India Model BIT 2016, ICSID Convention, India's bilateral investment treaties, WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding

Foreign Exchange

FEMA 1999, FDI Policy, RBI Master Directions, ECB Guidelines, LRS Framework, FEMA Compounding Rules

Frequently Asked

Arbitration & ADR FAQs

Arbitration is a binding process where a neutral tribunal delivers an enforceable award after hearing both parties — similar to a court judgment. Mediation is a facilitated negotiation where a neutral mediator helps parties reach a voluntary settlement — the mediator does not impose a decision. Conciliation is similar to mediation but the conciliator can suggest terms of settlement. All three are faster, more confidential, and typically less expensive than courtroom litigation.

ODR uses technology platforms to resolve disputes entirely or partially online — through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration conducted via video conferencing and digital document exchange. The RBI has mandated ODR for digital payment disputes (UPI, wallets, cards). NITI Aayog has published a handbook promoting ODR adoption. ODR is ideal for e-commerce disputes, insurance claims, small-value contractual matters, and consumer grievances where physical hearings would be impractical or disproportionate.

Yes, but on very limited grounds. Under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act, a domestic award can be challenged within 3 months for reasons such as invalidity of the arbitration agreement, improper tribunal composition, the award dealing with disputes beyond the scope of arbitration, or the award being in conflict with Indian public policy. Courts cannot re-examine the merits of the dispute. Foreign awards under the New York Convention can be refused enforcement on similarly narrow grounds.

Foreign awards from countries that are signatories to the New York Convention can be enforced in India under Part II of the Arbitration Act. You file an execution petition before the relevant High Court with the original award, the arbitration agreement, and certified translations. The court can refuse enforcement only on limited grounds (similar to Section 34). India has reciprocal enforcement arrangements with over 160 countries under the Convention.

Domestic arbitration in India typically takes 12–18 months from commencement to award, though the 2015 amendments mandate that tribunals should endeavor to complete proceedings within 12 months (extendable to 18 months by consent). International institutional arbitration (SIAC, ICC, LCIA) typically takes 12–24 months depending on complexity. Emergency arbitration and expedited procedures can deliver interim relief within days. ODR proceedings are significantly faster — often completed within 30–90 days.

For commercial disputes above a specified value, the Commercial Courts Act requires mandatory pre-institution mediation before filing a suit (unless urgent interim relief is needed). Section 89 CPC allows courts to refer pending disputes to mediation. The Mediation Act, 2023 now provides a comprehensive framework for mediation in India, making mediated settlement agreements enforceable as court decrees. While not mandatory in all cases, courts increasingly encourage mediation as a first step.

Absolutely. Most arbitration institutions and ODR platforms fully support virtual participation. NRIs can attend hearings via video conferencing, execute documents digitally, and provide witness testimony remotely. For institutional arbitration (SIAC, LCIA, ICC), hearings are routinely conducted virtually or in hybrid format. We regularly represent NRI clients in cross-border disputes without requiring their physical presence in India.

Need Dispute Resolution Outside the Courtroom?

From international arbitration to ODR for digital payment disputes — get strategic legal representation for every type of alternative dispute resolution.

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