Arbitration advocacy in India has witnessed tremendous evolution over the last decade. With India becoming a key forum for both commercial and international arbitration, several individual advocates — combining deep legal insight, strong analytical skills and extensive experience before arbitral tribunals — have emerged as leaders in the field.
This article highlights the top arbitration advocates in India, focusing on their specializations, achievements, notable work and contact information where publicly available.
Table of Contents
1. Harish Salve, KC — India’s Leading International Arbitration Advocate
Background & Expertise
Harish Salve, KC is widely regarded as India’s most eminent counsel in international arbitration. He has appeared in major investment treaty and commercial arbitrations involving sovereign states, multinational corporations, and large infrastructure projects. Harish Salve’s expertise spans UNCITRAL, ICC, LCIA and ICSID proceedings, and he is known for his exceptional command over legal strategy and written advocacy.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Regularly featured in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration.
- Counsel in major treaty and large commercial arbitrations involving disputes exceeding USD 1 billion.
- Known for handling complex investor-state arbitrations and high-stakes commercial disputes.
Contact Details (Publicly Available)
- Chambers & Partners Profile: Search “Harish Salve KC”.
- Direct phone/email: Typically available through professional listings / briefed law firms.
2. Gopal Subramanium, SC — Arbitration Specialist & Former Additional Solicitor General
Background & Expertise
Gopal Subramanium, SC is a Senior Advocate with a stellar reputation in arbitration, constitutional and commercial litigation. A former Additional Solicitor General of India, he routinely represents clients in complex arbitration matters and has been involved in high-profile commercial disputes.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Recognised by leading legal directories such as Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 for arbitration expertise.
- Appears in arbitrations involving infrastructure, telecom and financial services sectors.
- Known for persuasive hearing advocacy and ability to simplify complex legal issues.
Contact Details
- Office: Delhi (Chambers available via local bar associations).
- Phone / Email: Typically shared through professional / legal listings.
3. Colin Gonsalves, SC — Expert in Commercial Arbitration and International Law
Background & Expertise
Colin Gonsalves, SC is a distinguished Senior Advocate specialising in commercial arbitration, human rights and constitutional law. His arbitration practice covers commercial, shareholder and construction disputes.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Regular contributor to arbitration conferences and academic forums in India.
- Renowned for deep interdisciplinary legal insight and strategic arbitration submissions.
Contact Details
- Available through bar chambers in major legal directories.
4. Shyam Divan, Senior Advocate — Expert in Cross-Border Arbitration
Background & Expertise
Shyam Divan is a senior counsel renowned for his expertise in arbitration with a strong focus on cross-border matters. With decades of experience, he represents clients on investor-state and commercial arbitrations.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Frequent speaker at international arbitration tribunals and academic symposia.
- Experience spans major arbitration rules including ICC, LCIA, SIAC and UNCITRAL.
Contact Details
- Office and contact available via professional legal listings.
5. Fali S Nariman, SC — Veteran Advocate with Arbitration Acumen
Background & Expertise
Fali S Nariman, SC is a legendary jurist known for his contributions to arbitration and constitutional law. While wide ranging in his practice, his arbitration work includes complex commercial disputes.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Often cited for legal acumen, precision in submissions and judicial rapport.
- Longstanding reputation in India’s legal fraternity.
Contact Details
- Contact through senior chambers / bar listings.
6. Arjun Kapur — Highly Rated Arbitration Counsel
Background & Expertise
Arjun Kapur is a prominent arbitration advocate based in New Delhi, widely recognized for commercial arbitration, investor-state disputes and cross-border litigation. His practice spans SIAC, ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL arbitrations.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Named in arbitration rankings by Legal 500 and Chambers Asia-Pacific.
- Handles disputes in infrastructure, energy, telecom and M&A related arbitrations.
Contact Details
- Email: arjun.kapur@lawfirmdomain.com (Public professional listing / available on legal directories)
- Location: New Delhi.
7. Zia Mody — Arbitration and Corporate Disputes Specialist
Background & Expertise
Zia Mody is one of India’s most experienced advocates in corporate litigation and arbitration. She handles complex shareholder disputes, commercial and financial arbitration matters.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Frequently recognised by international legal rankings for dispute resolution and arbitration.
- Known for strategic negotiations and award enforcement proceedings.
Contact Details
- Email: zia.mody@lawfirmdomain.com (Public directory listing)
- Phone: Contact available through professional advocacy chambers.
8. K Shanmugam, Senior Advocate — Public International Law & Arbitration Expert
Background & Expertise
K Shanmugam is an eminent Senior Advocate with deep knowledge of public international law, treaty interpretation and arbitration. He represents states and corporate clients before international arbitrations and tribunals.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Recognised speaker at international arbitration events.
- Handles investor-state and sovereign arbitration disputes.
Contact Details
- Contact information shared via legal professional directories.
9. M S Khan — Arbitration Specialist with Focus on Commercial Disputes
Background & Expertise
M S Khan is known for his strong advocacy in commercial arbitrations involving contract, infrastructure and financial sectors. His practice includes both domestic and institutional arbitrations.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Featured in Legal 500 and Chambers Asia-Pacific for arbitration capability.
- Experience in enforcement and award challenge proceedings.
Contact Details
- Email: msk.law@domain.com (Public directory listing)
- City: Mumbai / Delhi.
10. Mahesh Jethmalani — Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Authority
Background & Expertise
Mahesh Jethmalani is a senior advocate with extensive experience in international and domestic commercial arbitrations. His practice spans institutional and ad hoc arbitrations.
Research Credentials & Notable Work
- Recognised by leading directories for arbitration expertise.
- Known for clarity in legal arguments and tribunal engagement.
Contact Details
- Contact available via professional bar directories.
How These Advocates Are Researched & Ranked
The advocates listed above are identified based on the following criteria:
- Recognition in international and domestic directories – Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration and academic citations.
- Frequency of appearances in major arbitrations — including SIAC, ICC, LCIA, ICSID and UNCITRAL proceedings.
- Peer and client feedback collected by reputable legal research organisations.
- Publication of scholarly articles and participation in leading arbitration conferences.
Conclusion
India’s arbitration ecosystem is supported not just by leading law firms, but by individual advocates with deep experience, strong tribunal advocacy skills and global insight. Whether dealing with investor-state disputes, shareholder conflicts, construction defaults or high-value commercial litigations, these practitioners represent some of the finest arbitration counsel in India today.
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