The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has successfully completed its first batch of the IICA Certified Arbitration Program (ICAP). The initiative, organized by the Centre of Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution (CEADR), aims to nurture a new generation of globally competitive arbitration professionals and set new standards for the arbitration landscape in India.
Program Highlights and Inaugural Session
The two-day campus immersion and valedictory session took place at the IICA campus in Manesar, with the event inaugurated by Justice Hemant Gupta, Chairperson of India International Arbitration Centre, on 11th October 2025. In his keynote address, Justice Gupta praised IICA’s role in strengthening the arbitration ecosystem and emphasized the significance of institutional arbitration in ensuring well-structured, transparent, and globally credible dispute resolution procedures. He noted the importance of developing a robust alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system to instill investor confidence, especially in the context of India’s growing economy.
Standardization and Ecosystem Development
Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director-General & CEO of IICA, welcomed esteemed guests, including Dr. Rajiv Mani (Secretary, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law & Justice) and Prof P K Malhotra (Former Law Secretary). Singh highlighted various IICA studies in arbitration and underlined the urgent need for standardization through institutional arbitration. He also brought attention to the challenges of enforceability of arbitral awards in India and outlined potential solutions to mitigate these issues. Prof Malhotra called for the establishment of the Arbitration Council of India and reinforced the need for a supportive ecosystem to maximize the impact of India’s burgeoning pool of arbitration professionals.
Reimagining Dispute Resolution Philosophy
In his valedictory address, Dr. Rajiv Mani connected contemporary arbitration practices with historical precedents, illustrating that the concept was favored even by the framers of India’s Constitution. Dr. Mani encouraged a shift in mindset and professional approach, advocating for arbitration as a mainstream mode of justice, rather than a mere alternative to litigation. His remarks highlighted the importance of legal reforms, cultural adaptation, and a broad understanding of arbitration’s benefits in order to transform India into a leading hub for dispute resolution.
Conclusion and Future Impact
The successful culmination of the first batch of ICAP signifies a critical step forward for India’s ADR landscape. By focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of arbitration, IICA aims to create a pipeline of highly skilled specialists equipped for complex disputes in global commerce. As India aspires to become a global hub for arbitration, ICAP is set to play a pivotal role in shaping future legal professionals and deepening investor trust in Indian dispute resolution frameworks.
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Source: PIB
