Recent statistics reveal arbitration in India is ‘maturing’

The Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration’s (MCIA) most recent annual report (36-page / 5MB PDF) revealed a 79.5% increase in the number of cases administered under the MCIA’s rules compared to the previous year. One-third of arbitrator appointments throughout 2025 were women, reflecting the MCIA’s commitment to greater gender balance.

Mohammed Talib, an expert in international arbitration at Pinsent Masons, said: “MCIA’s 2025 numbers are a marker that institutional arbitration is taking root in India.”

“Faster cycle times point to procedural discipline, and zero set asides speak to quality and enforceability, while an improved gender balance shows a deeper, more credible arbitrator pool,” he said.

“Alongside the 2025 rules refresh, these statistics show that India’s arbitration ecosystem is maturing and that businesses can trust the MCIA to credibly resolve disputes.”

The average dispute value of causes was US$1.56 million, with the total value of the 61 cases heard by the MCIA in 2025 reaching US$86.196 million. This caseload has more than tripled since 2020, when the MCIA heard 20 matters. Trade and finance disputes made up over 70% of the MCIA’s work, with employment, technology and corporate disputes also contributing to the increased volume of cases.

The MCIA adjudicated matters from a wide range of jurisdictions, ranging from across India to the US, China and France.