ICA Strengthens ADR Leadership

Context:

The Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) convened a Symposium-cum-Roundtable during Singapore Convention Week 2025 to enhance Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) cooperation in the India–Singapore corridor, guided by Union Law Minister Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal’s vision.

India’s Global ADR Positioning

India aims to become a global hub of arbitration, aligning with the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
India’s historical role: among the first six Asian signatories of the Geneva Convention on Arbitration and an original signatory of the New York Convention (1958).
Recent reforms: National Litigation Policy, mediation push (700,000+ cases resolved), strengthening institutional arbitration centres.

India–Singapore Corridor in ADR

Singapore:
- A leading global arbitration seat.
- Known for its Trinity ecosystem – Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), and Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC).
India–Singapore synergy:
- MoU between Supreme Courts of both countries.
- Shared pro-arbitration stance and judicial cooperation.
- Supports Act East Policy and growing bilateral trade/FDI.

Key ADR Principles Highlighted

Panch Parmeshwar doctrine: reflects India’s traditional dispute resolution through consensus.
ADR advantages: efficiency, confidentiality, neutrality, cost-effectiveness.
Neutral seats like Singapore increase investor confidence in cross-border trade.

Strategic Importance

Enhances Ease of Doing Business.
Strengthens investor confidence in the India–Singapore Economic Corridor.
Supports India’s goal of attracting FDI by ensuring robust legal safeguards.

Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA)

Established: 1965.
Founders: Government of India &FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry).
Role: India’s oldest arbitral institution, adjudicating claims exceeding ?4,000 crores annually.
Functions:
- Institutional arbitration and ADR promotion.
- Dissemination of information, training, and educational resources on arbitration.
- Building investor confidence through impartial dispute resolution.