Indo-US Legal Sector Conference
India and US flags

Consulate General of India New York in collaboration with India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) cordially invites you to the conference on

Indo-US Legal Sector

Investments & Dispute Resolution

Oct 28, 2025 - Tuesday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Topics & Discussions:

  • India transcends: International Arbitration Hub
  • Cross Border Transactions & Disputes: India & US
  • Bridging borders: Indo-US legal practices
  • Bilateral Investments Strategies: India and US
Topics and discussions

Venue

3 East 43rd Street, New York - 10065

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RSVP

commerce.newyork@mea.gov.in

Connect with Us!

The Indo-US Legal Sector Conference aims not only to deepen legal cooperation but also to serve as a catalyst for strengthening broader economic and strategic ties between the United States and India. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, India presents a dynamic and increasingly attractive destination for global investments.

India's legal and regulatory frameworks are evolving rapidly to facilitate international engagement. Challenges historically associated with establishing new industries, acquiring companies, or entering into partnerships—such as joint ventures with Indian entities—are now being systematically addressed through a more streamlined and transparent legal infrastructure.

The conference will highlight how recent legal reforms have made cross-border transactions and technology transfers between India and the United States significantly more seamless. A key development has been India’s decision to open its legal sector to foreign law firms on a reciprocal basis—further enhancing opportunities for collaboration and alignment between legal professionals in both countries.

Another focus of the conference will be on the mechanisms that support compliance and dispute resolution across borders. The introduction and growing success of Commercial Courts in India have markedly reduced litigation timelines and costs, with the average case resolution now occurring within 1.5 to 2 years—a significant improvement in legal efficiency.

India has also been at the forefront of promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including arbitration, as effective tools for resolving commercial disputes. The establishment of the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) — which became fully operational following the appointment of its Chairperson in December 2022 — represents a major milestone. The IIAC is now actively engaging in international arbitrations involving multiple foreign jurisdictions, positioning India as an emerging hub for global dispute resolution.

Further, technological advancements and outsourcing of paralegal services between India and the United States continue to strengthen cross-border collaboration and operational efficiency. As these capabilities evolve, they are reinforcing a seamless legal interface between the two nations. Underpinning this progress is a shared commitment to ethics and professional standards, ensuring trust and accountability in cross-jurisdictional practice.

This conference will bring together stakeholders from across the legal and business communities—including leading Indian and U.S. law firms—to explore these transformative developments, foster dialogue, and build enduring professional bridges between the two nations.

Conference Agenda

9:00 am – 9:30 amRegistration & Coffee
9:30 am – 9:40 amWelcome Note
- By Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, CGI, New York & Lighting of the Lamp
9:40 am – 10:00 am Virtual Keynote Session

India transcends: International Arbitration Hub
- By Hon’ble Justice Hemant Gupta, Chairman IIAC, Former Supreme Court Judge
10:00 am – 10:45 am Panel Discussion I

Cross Border Transactions & Disputes: India & US

Understanding Regulatory Risks
Managing Jurisdictional Challenges
Litigation vs. Arbitration & Mediation
Navigating Contracts in Complex Regulatory Environments

Panelist
- Dr. Rakesh K. Sharma, Senior Attorney & Founder at Draft n Craft (Moderator)
- Mr. Jay Safer, Partner at Dunnington Batholow & Miller LLP
- Mr. Atul Sharma, Managing Partner at Dentons Link Legal
- Ms. Eileen Breslin, Partner, The Gunnercooke US LLP
10:45 am – 11:00 amCoffee & Networking Break
11:00 am – 11:45 am IP Protection in Cross Border Investments
- Ms. Padmaja Chinta, Partner at Dunnington Batholow & Miller LLP
11:45 am – 12:30 pm Panel Discussion III

Bilateral Investments Strategies: India and US

Growing trends and opportunities
Setting up subsidiaries in India and US
Navigating the legal framework
IP Protection in cross border investments
Impact of policy changes and trade agreements

Panelist
- Hon. Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves, United States Court of International Trade, New York (Moderator)
- Mr. Vikas Varma, Partner at Crush & Varma Law Group
- Mr. Rudyard Ceres, Partner at Ceres Law Firm
- Ms. Meaghan Doyle, Of-Counsel at Crush & Varma Group
12:30 pm – 12.45 pmHonor & Recognition
12:45 pm – 12:55 pm Closing Remarks
- By Dr. Rakesh K Sharma, Senior Attorney & Founder, Draft n Craft
12:55 pm – 1:00 pm Vote of Thanks
- By Mr. Manish Kulhary, Consul (Trade), New York
1:00 pm onwardsLunch & Networking

Meet Our Panelist

Binaya Srikanta Pradhan

Binaya Srikanta Pradhan

Consulate General of India, NY

Hemant Gupta

Hemant Gupta

Former Supreme Court Judge

Rakesh Sharma

Rakesh Sharma

Senior Attorney & Founder, Draft n Craft

Jay Safer

Mr. Jay Safer

Partner at Dunnington Miller LLP

Atul Sharma

Mr. Atul Sharma

Executive Chairman and Chairman Unit-I (JAR)

Eileen Breslin

Ms. Eileen Breslin

Partner, Dunnington US LLP

Padmaja Chinta

Ms. Padmaja Chinta

Partner at Dunnington Miller LLP

Jennifer Choe-Groves

Hon. Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves

United States Court of International Trade, New York

Vikas Varma

Mr. Vikas Varma

Partner at Cravath & Verma Law Group

Lauri O'Callaghan

Lauri O'Callaghan

Rooney Law

Meaghan Doyle

Ms. Meaghan Doyle

Chief Counsel at Cravath & Varma Group

Manish Kulhary

Mr. Manish Kulhary

Consul (Trade), New York