Standardization of Arbitration landscape through institutional arbitration is the need of hour: Director-General & CEO, IICA

The Valedictory Session of the first batch of IICA Certified Arbitration Program (ICAP), concluded on 12^th October 2025 at IICA Campus, Manesar. The event was organised by the Centre of Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution (CEADR) of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. The program aimed at creating a pool of the next generation of global arbitration professionals.

The two-day Campus Immersion and Valedictory Session was inaugurated by Justice Hemant Gupta, Chairperson, India International Arbitration Centre on 11 October 2025. Delivering his Keynote Address, Justice Gupta commended the efforts of IICA in contributing towards strengthening the arbitration ecosystem in India. Moreover, in light of India’s economic growth, Justice Gupta laid emphasis on creating a robust alternative dispute resolution system for gaining investor confidence. He also stressed upon the need of institutional arbitration for ensuring structured and efficacious conduct of arbitral proceedings in India.

Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director-General & CEO, IICA, welcomed and felicitated the Chief Guest, Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary (Legislative Department), Ministry of Law & Justice and Guest of Honour, Prof P K Malhotra, Former Law Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice. In his Welcome Address, Shri Singh informed about various studies conducted in arbitration and emphasized on the need of the hour to standardize the arbitration landscape through institutional arbitration in India. He also discussed issues relating to enforceability of arbitral awards along with ways to mitigate such issues.

Prof P K Malhotra, Former Law Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, in his address acknowledged the competence and immense potential of the arbitration professionals in India, however, raised concerns over lack of supporting ecosystem. He also emphasized on the importance of establishment of the Arbitration Council of India with such changes as may be necessary for its effective functioning.

In his Valedictory Address, Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary (Legislative Department), Ministry of Law & Justice, emphasized on the importance of arbitration as a mode of dispute resolution by referring to the less known facts about arbitration being preferred by the constitution makers in certain matters during transitional period of Indian constitutional history. Dr Mani also laid stress on changing the philosophy, approach and mindset of the people to explore other modes of dispute resolution such as arbitration apart from the traditional court litigation.

While delivering vote of thanks, Prof (Dr) Naveen Sirohi, Head, CEADR, IICA thanked all the dignitaries for their insightful addresses and acknowledged the support of all delegates-participants and IICA core organising team.

Institutional arbitration promoted to standardize dispute resolution and improve enforceability of arbitral awards through professional training. The program advances institutional arbitration to standardize arbitration practice and build next generation professionals, addressing the enforceability of arbitral awards and proposing mitigation strategies. It advocates establishment of an Arbitration Council and institutional reforms to strengthen the arbitration ecosystem, promote structured arbitral proceedings, and foster alternative dispute resolution in place of traditional litigation.