Delhi Arbitration Weekend 2023: Putting India on the global map

Delhi International Arbitration Centre conducted the first edition of its flagship event - the Delhi Arbitration Weekend (DAW) 2023 from February 16 to February 19..The inaugural session took place on February 16 and began with a special address by the Guest of Honour, Former Attorney General for England and Wales and for Northern Ireland Lord Peter Goldsmith, PC KC followed by a keynote address by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud..The opening session also saw addresses by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Vibhu Bakhru..During his address, the CJI stressed the importance of diversity in the arbitration space. He remarked that to move away from the tag of being an old boys' club, the arbitration space must provide equal opportunity to men, women and them. While sharing his suggestions on improving the arbitration regime in India, the CJI also said that parties must appoint lawyers as arbitrators more frequently, noting that sometimes, more promising candidates are overlooked in favour of more established names..During the event, Lord Peter Goldsmith expressed his belief that India is now closer than ever to realizing its goal of becoming a global hub for arbitration. He highlighted that the country's progress in becoming a major player on the global stage. .The innaugural session also saw a performance by widely acclaimed Hindustani Classical Vocalist Kalapini Komkali with Tabla Accompanist Ramendra Singh Solanki, Harmonium Player Niranjan Lele, and Percussionist Anurodh Jain. .Throughout the weekend, a cumulative 18 sessions were conducted on various topics of contemporary importance in international arbitration. Each of the sessions on Friday was chaired by a retired High Court or Supreme Court judge, while all session on Saturday and Sunday were chaired by sitting judges of the Supreme Court. The topics ranged from challenges in the arbitration ecosystem and party autonomy to our readiness for third party funding..The weekend's concluding session took place at noon on Sunday with a special address by Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, an address by the Chief Guest Union Minister of Law & Justice Kiren Rijiju, and a vote of thanks by Delhi High Court Judge Justice Rekha Palli. .Justice Kaul, during his speech, said that parties involved in arbitration proceedings must learn to accept the award rendered by arbitrators instead of challenging the same in courts and engaging in multi-tiered litigation..The Union Law Minister, opined that India can also become an international arbitration hub like Singapore if the executive and judiciary work together towards achieving the same..The weekend was brimming with participation from several key players in international arbitration including Vernon Flynn, VK Rajah, Chintan Chandrachud, Doug Jones, Leigh-Ann Mulcahy, and Chiann Bao. .Speaking about his experience at the event, VK Rajah told Bar & Bench that he lauded the massive effort taken by the judiciary and private sector alike, to organise the event which attracted some of the best thought leaders in international arbitration."(This) is a signal that India has not just stood up, but is ready to create a permanent platform for international arbitration where honest conversations about what needs to be done, both within India and internationally, to improve the international arbitration landscape", he said. He added that the next step for India was to hold the ICCA which would be a sign of recognition by the international community as well as showcasing India's ability to host large events effectively and meaningfully. "It's not just the holding of events, but the fact that something meaningful comes out of it and India making its own contribution in thought leadership towards improving international legal leadership. So you become a giver and not just a taker.".Chiann Bao shared with Bar & Bench that the DAW was a sign that arbitration in India was thriving. "DAW was an impressive showcase of talent and judicial support for arbitration in India. The arrival of India as a major player in India has been long-anticipated and this event demonstrated the fact that arbitration in India has not only arrived but is thriving", she said. ."I was really, genuinely impressed by the whole DAW", said Vernon Flynn in an interview with Bar & Bench. He added that it far exceeded his expectations, which were reasonably high in the first place. "It was excellent.. It was incredibly well organized. It had enormous momentum from the judiciary as well as the bar. So, the procedure and the organization was fantastic. The facilities were amazing, and I think that bodes well for arbitrations in India. The facilities are there, and the legal talent is there, so it really has everything", Flynn said. .Taking to her LinkedIn account, Partner & Head of India Practice at Norton Rose Fulbright Sherina Petit, said that the DAW had done India and it’s arbitration community proud. "From the seemless organisation to the warm welcome and continuous hospitality given to the speakers and delegates by the Chief Justice of India and the judiciary of our Delhi High Court and Supreme Court to the excellent presentations and events. We simply couldn’t have asked for more! Symposiums like this showcase India in its best light and highlight the endless possibilities and talent", her post read. .All sessions took place at the Delhi High Court’s S Block and the lunch and dinner were hosted at the Delhi High Court Deck overlooking India Gate..The DAW was organised under the patronage of the Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Vibhu Bakhru who is the Chairman of the Delhi International Arbitration Centre.The organising committee comprised Justices Rekha Palli, Subramonium Prasad, and Advocate Shashank Garg.DAW had Senior Advocates Gourab Banerji, Darius J Khambata, and KV Vishwanathan as advisors.