A Roadmap to Establishing India as a Hub Arbitration of International Arbitration

Abstract

As India cements its position as a top-five global economy, the demand for a reliable and efficient commercial dispute resolution framework has reached a pivotal point. This paper examines the strategic plan for establishing India as a leading hub for international arbitration, progressing beyond its traditional reliance on ad-hoc procedures towards a more sophisticated
institutional model. The legislative scope of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, has undergone significant changes through the instrumentalities of amendments to the Act in 2015, 2019, and 2021; however, several challenges remain. These include ongoing perceptions of judicial overreach, infrastructural gaps at emerging institutions such as the New Delhi
International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC), and a general lack of awareness among domestic companies about the advantages of institutional mechanisms. By conducting a comparative analysis of established global hubs like Singapore (SIAC) and Hong Kong (HKIAC), this study identifies key factors for success: minimal judicial interference, specialised arbitration panels, and
the adoption of technological innovations such as AI-integrated case management. Furthermore, the research indicates that India must embrace emerging sectors including Fintech and ESG- related disputes while streamlining procedures for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to broaden access to arbitration. Ultimately, the paper argues that transforming India into a leading
international arbitration seat requires a symbiotic relationship between a judiciary supportive of enforcement, a strong institutional framework, and proactive government policies that mandate institutional arbitration in public sector contracts.