India Takes Step Toward Global Arbitration Hub with Arbitrator Qualification Assessment at IICA

The initiative reflects a shift toward professionalising arbitration in India, ensuring that certified arbitrators meet international standards of efficiency, credibility, and expertise.

In a significant move to strengthen India's dispute resolution ecosystem and position the country as a global arbitration hub, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) has successfully conducted the first assessment cycle of its Arbitrator Qualifying Assessment Program (AQAP).

Held from April 24–26, 2026, at IICA's Manesar campus, the programme marks a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at building a pool of professionally trained, globally benchmarked arbitrators aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Rigorous Three-Tier Assessment to Build Global-Standard Arbitrators

Organised by the Centre of Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution (CEADR), the AQAP is a three-day, three-tier assessment programme designed to test practical, applied arbitration skills rather than just theoretical knowledge.

The initiative reflects a shift toward professionalising arbitration in India, ensuring that certified arbitrators meet international standards of efficiency, credibility, and expertise.

Top Legal Experts Lead the Assessment

The assessment was presided over by Justice (Retd.) Hemant Gupta, former Supreme Court judge and former Chairperson of the India International Arbitration Centre, alongside global arbitration experts Anish Wadia (C.Arb) and A.J. Jawad.

Justice Gupta emphasised the need for a paradigm shift in arbitration practice, moving away from ad hoc mechanisms toward a market-driven, efficiency-focused system.

"To build credibility in arbitration, we need a mindset shift. Confidence-building is a shared responsibility," he told participants, praising the programme's alignment with global benchmarks.

Faster Dispute Resolution Critical for Economic Growth

IICA Director General and CEO Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh highlighted the broader economic importance of strengthening arbitration systems.

"If India aims to become a multi-trillion-dollar economy, it must develop a fast, efficient, and cost-effective dispute resolution framework," he said.

He noted that:

• International businesses prefer arbitration over traditional litigation

• Judicial delays and case backlogs continue to deter investment

• While reforms like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) have improved business processes, comprehensive legal infrastructure reform remains essential

ADR Ecosystem Expansion Gains Momentum

The AQAP is part of IICA's broader push to transform India's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) landscape, alongside flagship programmes such as:

• IICA Certified Mediator Program (ICMP):

  • 100+ hours, 3-month programme (now in its 23rd batch)

• IICA Certified Arbitration Professional (ICAP):

  • 250+ hours, 9-month hybrid programme (2nd batch ongoing)

• AQAP:

  • Intensive 3-day certification assessment for arbitrators

These initiatives aim to create a pipeline of skilled mediators and arbitrators, reducing reliance on traditional courts.

Building Global Confidence in India's Legal Framework

Experts say such programmes are crucial for enhancing investor confidence, as efficient dispute resolution is a key factor in global business decisions.

By aligning training and certification with international standards, India is seeking to:

• Attract international arbitration cases

• Reduce dependency on foreign arbitration hubs like Singapore and London

• Position itself as a cost-effective and credible dispute resolution destination

A Step Toward Legal and Economic Transformation

The successful completion of the first AQAP cycle signals a structural shift in India's legal ecosystem, where professional capacity-building is being prioritised alongside policy reforms.

As India seeks to strengthen its position in global trade and investment, initiatives like AQAP could play a pivotal role in creating a modern, efficient, and globally competitive arbitration framework.