International & Indian Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Navlaw & Associates advises Indian and overseas clients on domestic and international arbitration, mediation and conciliation — from drafting the dispute resolution clause through to enforcing the final award.
Dispute resolution built around the commercial outcome
Our arbitration and dispute resolution work grows out of the same commercial contracts, joint ventures and property transactions our clients already come to us for. We advise with an eye to what a dispute is actually worth to resolve, not litigation or arbitration for its own sake.
Where a matter has a cross-border element — a UAE, U.K. or Australia-based party, an institutional arbitration clause, or an award that will eventually need to be enforced against assets in India — we structure the strategy around that from the outset, rather than treating enforcement as an afterthought.
Arbitration and dispute resolution work we handle
Whether a dispute is purely domestic or crosses into international commerce, we advise from the drafting stage through to enforcement.
Domestic arbitration in India
Representation in arbitration proceedings between Indian parties under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
International commercial arbitration
Disputes involving at least one foreign party, including proceedings seated outside India and enforcement of foreign awards under Part II of the Act.
Institutional arbitration
Representation in proceedings before institutions such as ICC, SIAC, LCIA and DIAC, where the arbitration clause refers disputes to an institutional forum.
Ad hoc arbitration
Representation and procedural strategy in arbitrations not administered by an institution, including arbitrator selection and conduct of proceedings.
Mediation & conciliation
Structured mediation and conciliation as an alternative to arbitration or litigation, including proceedings under the Mediation Act, 2023, where preserving a commercial relationship matters.
Drafting dispute resolution clauses
Arbitration, mediation and governing-law clauses drafted into commercial contracts at the outset, to avoid disputes over forum later.
Interim relief & arbitrator appointment
Applications under Section 9 for interim measures, and Section 11 applications for the appointment of arbitrators where parties cannot agree.
Challenge & enforcement of awards
Section 34 applications to set aside an award, Section 37 appeals, and execution of domestic and foreign awards against assets in India.
Cross-border commercial disputes
Joint venture, shareholder, construction, supply and distribution disputes with a cross-border element, advised with enforcement in mind from the outset.
Who leads this practice
Sahir Singh Virk
Leads the firm's arbitration and commercial dispute resolution matters, including cross-border and NRI-instructed disputes.
Siddharth Gulati
Advises on arbitration, mediation and enforcement matters, working alongside the litigation team on related court proceedings.
Arbitration strategy built around enforcement
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Clause to award, one firm
We draft the dispute resolution clause, represent you in the arbitration itself, and take the award to enforcement if needed — no handoffs between firms.
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Commercially minded advice
Recommendations weigh the cost and time of arbitration against the size of the dispute, and consider mediation where it serves you better.
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Enforcement-focused from day one
Clauses and strategy reviewed with an eye to how an eventual award would actually be enforced against assets in India.
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Direct partner contact
Arbitration matters are led by a partner throughout, from the first conference to the final enforcement petition.
Arbitration and dispute resolution matters are led directly by our dispute resolution partners, from strategy and representation through to enforcement.
Partners, Navlaw & Associates
From first conference to enforcement
Initial conference
Share the contract, correspondence and a short account of the dispute.
Forum assessment
We advise on the right forum — arbitration, mediation or litigation — and the likely timeline and cost.
Representation
We represent you through the arbitration or mediation proceedings, keeping you briefed at each stage.
Enforcement
Where needed, we take the award into Indian courts for recognition and execution.
Arbitration & mediation, briefly explained
What's the difference between arbitration and mediation?
Arbitration results in a binding award decided by an arbitrator, similar to a court judgment. Mediation is a facilitated negotiation towards a settlement both sides agree to — it isn't binding unless recorded as a settlement agreement.
Is a foreign arbitral award enforceable in India?
Generally yes, where the award is from a country that is party to the New York Convention and India has notified it as a reciprocating territory, subject to the limited grounds for refusal under Part II of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act.
Can I get interim relief before the arbitration even starts?
Yes — Section 9 of the Act allows a party to apply to an Indian court for interim measures such as preserving assets or maintaining status quo, before or during arbitral proceedings.
Discuss your dispute with a partner
Consultations are arranged by phone, WhatsApp or video call, wherever you are based.