77% of legal professionals are optimistic about the future of arbitration in India: EY-Aarna Law report

Institutional capability and enforcement remain central

More than half of the respondents, 52% identified standardisation and institutional support as the most significant benefit of institutional arbitration. 42% respondents placed importance on experienced case managers, 26% focused on clear communication, and 21% laid emphasis on the efficient resolution of disputes. This shows that legal professionals are looking not just for legal expertise, but also for strong administration and smooth case management that can make dispute resolution more predictable and effective.

For 38% of respondents enforcement of arbitral awards, and for 28% of respondents judicial intervention remain key concerns. These issues matter because businesses rely on arbitration to deliver timely and enforceable outcomes. Addressing them would be essential to strengthening confidence in India as a dispute resolution destination.

Shreyas Jayasimha, Founder, Aarna Law said, “The survey reflects a maturing arbitration market in which users are looking beyond the availability of legal remedies to the quality and reliability of outcomes. For India to strengthen its position as an international dispute resolution destination, legal reform must be supported by predictable enforcement, capable institutions and professionals with deep sectoral expertise. A balanced and arbitration-supportive approach from all stakeholders will be essential to building lasting confidence.”

Technology is reshaping arbitration

Technology adoption is emerging as an important enabler of modern arbitration, with 65% of the respondents considering it highly effective in improving proceedings. Video conferencing was identified as the most beneficial technology by 49%, while 37% said technology improves efficiency by reducing hearing time.

The survey also indicates cautious optimism around artificial intelligence (AI). 51% believe AI can significantly improve arbitration efficiency when appropriate safeguards are in place.

Cost and efficiency continue to shape user experience. Hearings were identified as the most cost-intensive phase of arbitration by 43% of respondents, closely followed by discovery and evidence gathering at 41%. At the same time, 73% reported adopting shorter procedural timelines to address delays.

India's opportunity lies in building an integrated ADR ecosystem that combines credible institutions, enforceable outcomes, professional expertise and responsible technology adoption. Arbitration is expected to remain central to complex commercial disputes, while mediation and hybrid mechanisms are likely to gain wider acceptance.

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About Aarna Law

Aarna Law is a boutique law firm specialising in dispute resolution, arbitration and cross-border commercial law, with offices in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. The firm advises Indian and international clients on complex commercial disputes across a broad range of sectors.

Aarna Law represents clients in domestic and international arbitration, both institutional and ad hoc, as well as in litigation, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. The firm combines deep technical expertise with practical, sector-focused counsel, helping clients navigate high-value and sensitive matters with clarity and rigour.

The survey underlying the report was carried out with the support of the Aarna Law team. The firm acknowledges the contributions of Shreyas Jayasimha, Kamala Naganand, Jevika Jolly and Jai Unde to the conduct of the survey and the development of its findings.