IICA and IAMC Forge MoU to Enhance India's Dispute Resolution Landscape

On November 5, 2026, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ecosystem in India. The signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director-General & CEO of IICA, and Shri AJ Jawad, CEO & Registrar of IAMC. This collaboration is expected to significantly bolster institutional partnerships and professional excellence in arbitration, mediation, and corporate affairs.

The MoU signifies a commitment to developing specialized capacity building initiatives, particularly focusing on mediation support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). With the Indian economy increasingly reliant on the growth of MSMEs, the partnership aims to provide tailored programs that enhance dispute resolution mechanisms, thereby fostering a conducive environment for business growth.

In his keynote address, Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of this collaboration in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. He articulated a roadmap for creating a specialized pool of arbitrators and mediators through customized training programs, workshops, and seminars. Singh highlighted that mediation plays a crucial role in the MSME sector, linking it to broader economic growth, GDP enhancement, and export facilitation.

The partnership aims to deepen sectoral focus, particularly in regions like Haryana, which aspires to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2047. Singh noted that achieving this ambitious goal would require building investor confidence through robust institutional frameworks for arbitration and mediation.

Shri AJ Jawad, during his special address, reiterated IAMC's commitment to working closely with IICA. He stated that the collaboration would leverage the strengths of both institutions to develop structured programs and joint initiatives that enhance the ADR ecosystem in India. Jawad emphasized that the MoU aligns with the broader vision of promoting best practices and fostering innovation in arbitration and mediation training.

The IAMC, established with the support of the Government of Telangana and the High Court of Telangana, serves as a dedicated platform for promoting various alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Its focus on accessibility and expertise is pivotal for the growth of ADR practices in India.

The MoU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including specialized capacity building initiatives and policy-oriented research. The Centre for Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution (CEADR) at IICA will play a crucial role in implementing these initiatives. Prof. (Dr.) Naveen Sirohi, Head of CEADR, highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships in fostering knowledge exchange and professional development.

The collaboration will also focus on developing training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of professionals in the ADR field. This includes short-term and long-term courses designed to equip participants with the necessary tools to navigate complex dispute scenarios effectively.

The signing of this MoU is expected to have far-reaching implications for the business environment in India. By strengthening the ADR framework, the partnership aims to facilitate ease of doing business, which is crucial for attracting both domestic and foreign investments. A robust ADR system can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with traditional litigation, making it an attractive option for businesses.

Moreover, the emphasis on MSME mediation support is particularly timely, given the challenges faced by small businesses in resolving disputes efficiently. By providing targeted support, the IICA-IAMC collaboration aims to empower MSMEs, thereby contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.

The MoU between IICA and IAMC marks a significant step towards building a resilient ADR ecosystem in India. As both institutions work together to enhance professional excellence and develop innovative training programs, the potential for improving dispute resolution practices in the country is substantial. This collaboration not only aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 but also sets a precedent for future partnerships aimed at fostering economic growth through effective dispute resolution mechanisms.