Justice Manmohan: Indian Lawyers' SIAC Appointments Concern

• Supreme Court Justice Manmohan noted that Indian lawyers receive insufficient arbitral appointments from the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
• India consistently ranks as SIAC's third-largest source of cases, contributing 175-180 references annually over the last three years.
• Despite this high volume, Indian arbitrators secured only about 31 tribunal seats last year.
• Justice Manmohan expressed this as a concern for fairness and for providing opportunities to talented Indian legal professionals.
• He also highlighted India's enhanced credibility as an arbitration seat due to legislative reforms and a changed judicial approach.

Justice Manmohan underscored that his remarks were not a criticism of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, but rather a sincere concern for ensuring fairness and providing opportunities for India's highly skilled legal professionals.

Supreme Court Justice Manmohan recently highlighted a significant imbalance in the representation of Indian legal professionals on international arbitration panels. Speaking at the India-Singapore Legal Bridge event, held in partnership with Drew & Napier and organized by the General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) during Singapore Convention Week 2026, Justice Manmohan pointed out that Indian lawyers are not receiving a proportionate number of arbitral appointments from the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). This observation comes despite India consistently being one of the institution’s primary sources of cases.

For the past four to five years, India has stood as the third-largest contributor to SIAC arbitrations globally. This robust engagement is evidenced by the substantial number of references originating from India; last year alone, approximately 178 cases were referred to SIAC. Over the preceding three years, the annual figure consistently ranged between 175 and 180 references. However, in stark contrast to this volume of work, Indian arbitrators secured only about 31 seats on SIAC arbitral tribunals during the last year. This numerical disparity underscores the core concern regarding the utilization of Indian legal talent in international arbitration.

Justice Manmohan clarified that his remarks were not intended as a complaint or criticism directed at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. Instead, he framed the issue as a fundamental concern for fairness and the imperative to provide opportunities for India's highly skilled legal professionals. He emphasized the need to leverage the capabilities of the Indian Bar, stating that without adequate international exposure, it becomes challenging to elevate their standards to global benchmarks.

The Supreme Court Justice further elaborated on the evolving landscape of the Indian legal profession, noting its increasing appeal to bright young individuals who might traditionally have pursued careers in fields like medicine or engineering. He stressed that this influx of high-caliber talent must be effectively utilized, suggesting that greater inclusion in international arbitral appointments, such as those by SIAC, is crucial for their development and for India's standing in the global legal arena. This perspective underscores the importance of fostering Indian lawyers' Singapore arbitration representation.

Beyond the issue of international appointments, Justice Manmohan also reflected on India's domestic progress in the field of dispute resolution. He affirmed that India has solidified its position as a credible and reliable seat for arbitration. This positive transformation, he explained, is largely attributable to significant legislative reforms that have streamlined arbitration processes and a discernible shift in the approach adopted by Indian courts, which now demonstrate greater support for arbitral proceedings.

This enhanced domestic environment for arbitration, coupled with India's substantial contribution to international caseloads, creates a compelling argument for increased recognition of Indian legal expertise on global platforms. The India-Singapore Legal Bridge event itself signifies the growing collaboration and mutual interest in strengthening legal ties, further highlighting the potential for Indian arbitrators to play a more prominent role in international forums like SIAC.

The observations made by Justice Manmohan carry significant implications for the professional development of Indian lawyers and the broader international arbitration community. The ongoing discussion about SIAC arbitral appointments for Indian lawyers suggests a growing awareness of the need for more diverse representation on international panels. This advocacy could pave the way for new professional opportunities, allowing Indian legal practitioners to gain invaluable experience and contribute their expertise on a global scale.

Moreover, the recognition of India's growing credibility as a seat for arbitration, driven by legislative advancements and a supportive judiciary, reinforces the nation's rising stature in international dispute resolution. This positive trajectory encourages further development in the arbitration practice area within India, potentially leading to a virtuous cycle where domestic strength translates into greater international engagement and recognition for Indian arbitrators and legal professionals.

Indian lawyers should be aware of the ongoing discussion and potential advocacy efforts to increase their representation on international arbitration panels like SIAC, which could open new professional opportunities. This also reinforces India's growing credibility as a seat for arbitration, encouraging further development in this practice area.

Source: Original reporting via legal news.