Overview

• On May 14, 2025, the Bar Council of India implemented rules allowing foreign lawyers and law firms to handle non-litigious matters in India involving foreign or international law and arbitration.
• Chief Justice B. R. Gavai said at a London conference that the change would import global best practices and strengthen the quality and efficiency of cross-border dispute resolution.
• Under the new framework, foreign practitioners can take part in international commercial arbitration conducted in India without compromising the rights of domestic legal professionals.
• A reciprocity-based model permits Indian law firms and advocates to register as foreign legal consultants in other jurisdictions while retaining their rights to practise Indian law.
• Strict registration and renewal requirements are set to govern foreign entrants and support the expansion of arbitration centres such as DIAC, MCIA and the India Arbitration and Mediation Centre.