Introduction

Senior international arbitrator Jimmy Yim has emphasized that India must adopt a unified and integrated strategy if it seeks to emerge as a leading global hub for arbitration. Speaking at a legal conference, Yim noted that while India has made significant progress in arbitration reforms, much more is required to reach international standards.

Request for a Coordinated Arbitration Approach

Yim highlighted that arbitration in India has grown phenomenally but remains fragmented. He urged for a coordinated framework that combines legislative reform, institutional development, judicial uniformity, and international collaboration to elevate India’s arbitration ecosystem.

Significance of Legal and Institutional Systems

While acknowledging reforms in India’s arbitration law, Yim pointed out that leading arbitration hubs such as Singapore, London, and Paris succeeded not merely through legislation but also via strong institutional support. He stressed that India must strengthen its arbitral institutions, ensure efficiency in procedures, and maintain transparency to enhance credibility.

Judicial and Governmental Role

Yim underscored the importance of judicial predictability and limited government interference in arbitration matters. A pro-arbitration judicial environment coupled with government support in infrastructure and policy facilitation, he said, would inspire confidence among global businesses to choose India as a seat of arbitration.

Arbitrator Training and Development

A major area of focus, according to Yim, is capacity building. He recommended specialized training for arbitrators, lawyers, and professionals, along with international exposure through exchange programs and dedicated arbitration schools. This, he argued, would equip India’s large legal talent pool to handle complex cross-border disputes.

Requirement for Investor Confidence

Yim stressed that investor trust is inseparable from dispute resolution efficiency. Businesses will only turn to India if arbitration here is prompt, impartial, and enforceable. He highlighted that the enforceability of arbitral awards and procedural consistency are key to boosting investor confidence.

Relational Global Lessons

Drawing parallels with Singapore and Hong Kong, Yim noted that their rise as arbitration centres was the result of strategic, integrated efforts involving reforms, government support, institutional credibility, and international promotion. India, with its cost advantages and deep legal talent base, could replicate such a model.

A Roadmap for the Future

Concluding his remarks, Yim called for a common roadmap that involves lawmakers, judiciary, arbitral institutions, government agencies, and practitioners. Only through collective efforts, he stressed, can India transform itself into a major international arbitration hub.

Conclusion

Jimmy Yim’s observations underline both India’s progress and its untapped potential in arbitration. By combining reforms with institutional support, capacity building, and investor-oriented measures, India could position itself as a competitive global arbitration destination.