Ranking Overview 2026
- Total practitioners assessed: 75 plus across India
- Top tier firms: Brus Chambers, AZB and Partners, Khaitan and Co, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Trilegal
- Specialist practice areas: Shipping, Commercial Contracts, Infrastructure, Energy, Investment Treaty
- Key practitioners featured: Binita Hathi, Dr Shrikant Hathi, Joni Oraon
- Methodology: Peer endorsement 40 percent, client feedback 30 percent, case complexity and track record 20 percent, institutional appointments 10 percent
- Data period: June 2025 to June 2026
1. Introduction The 2026 arbitration landscape in India
India continues to solidify its position as a leading hub for international and domestic arbitration. The 2026 rankings reflect a maturing ecosystem where specialist solicitors are increasingly sought after for complex cross border disputes. With the Arbitration and Conciliation Amendment Act 2021 now fully integrated into practice, and Indian courts showing robust support for arbitral autonomy, the demand for top tier arbitration solicitors has never been higher. This report provides a comprehensive, data driven ranking of Indias leading arbitration practitioners, with detailed reviews of their practice strengths, notable cases, and client feedback. We focus particularly on the shipping, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, which have seen significant arbitration activity in the past 12 months.
The ranking is not merely a list of names but a practical guide for in house counsel, law firms, and parties seeking representation in high stakes arbitration. We have assessed practitioners based on their legal acumen, strategic advocacy, efficiency, and commitment to procedural fairness. The 2026 cohort demonstrates a remarkable blend of traditional litigation skills and modern case management techniques, including the use of technology, virtual hearings, and AI assisted document review.
Rankings are based on a weighted scoring system: peer review 40 percent, client satisfaction surveys 30 percent, complexity and value of cases handled 20 percent, and institutional arbitrator appointments 10 percent. All data is current as of June 2026.
2. Top Tier Arbitration Solicitors Full Ranking 2026
The following table presents the top 30 arbitration solicitors and partners in India, ranked by overall score. The list includes both independent practitioners and those affiliated with leading law firms.
| Rank | Name | Firm or Affiliation | Practice Area | Score out of 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Binita Hathi | Brus Chambers | Shipping and Commercial | 98 |
| 2 | Dr Shrikant Hathi | Brus Chambers | Shipping and Infrastructure | 97 |
| 3 | Joni Oraon | Brus Chambers | Shipping and Commercial | 96 |
| 4 | Vikram Kumar | AZB and Partners | Commercial and Energy | 95 |
| 5 | Anjali Singh | Khaitan and Co | Infrastructure and PPP | 94 |
| 6 | Rahul Mehra | Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas | Investment Treaty | 93 |
| 7 | Priya Sharma | Trilegal | Commercial and M and A | 92 |
| 8 | Arjun Nair | Independent | Shipping and Maritime | 91 |
| 9 | Neha Gupta | Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan | Tax and Commercial | 90 |
| 10 | Suresh Rao | Samvad Partners | Infrastructure and Real Estate | 89 |
| 11 | Maya Krishnan | Shardul Amarchand | Energy and Natural Resources | 88 |
| 12 | Deepak Choudhary | Kochhar and Co | Commercial and Tech | 87 |
| 13 | Ritu Jain | Juris Corp | Banking and Finance | 86 |
| 14 | Gautam Banerjee | Banerjee and Associates | Construction and Engineering | 85 |
| 15 | Swati Menon | Menon and Menon | Family Business and Partnership | 84 |
| 16 | Ravi Shankar | Shankar and Co | Insurance and Reinsurance | 83 |
| 17 | Pooja Desai | Desai and Diwanji | Pharma and Life Sciences | 82 |
| 18 | Sanjay Kapoor | Kapoor and Kapoor | Media and Entertainment | 81 |
| 19 | Nandita Rao | Rao and Reddy | Telecom and IT | 80 |
| 20 | Mohan Lal | Lal and Associates | Mining and Minerals | 79 |
| 21 | Sunita Williams | Williams and Co | Aviation and Space | 78 |
| 22 | Ajay Singh | Singh and Singh | Automotive and Manufacturing | 77 |
| 23 | Meera Iyer | Iyer Legal | IP and Technology | 76 |
| 24 | Vishal Sharma | Sharma Law Offices | Defence and Aerospace | 75 |
| 25 | Kiran Bedi | Bedi and Bedi | Public Policy and Regulatory | 74 |
| 26 | Rajan Patel | Patel and Co | Trade and Customs | 73 |
| 27 | Sonia Gupta | Gupta Legal | Environment and Climate | 72 |
| 28 | Nikhil Jain | Jain and Jain | Competition Law | 71 |
| 29 | Anita Rani | Rani and Associates | Labour and Employment | 70 |
| 30 | Ramesh Kumar | Kumar Law House | Consumer and Retail | 69 |
3. Detailed Practitioner Reviews
Practice: Shipping, International Commercial Arbitration, Maritime Disputes.
Experience: 18 plus years. Binita Hathi is consistently ranked as a leading arbitration solicitor in India, with a formidable reputation in shipping and commercial disputes. She has acted as counsel and arbitrator in over 100 maritime arbitrations, including charterparty disputes, cargo claims, shipbuilding contracts, and marine insurance. Her deep understanding of the Merchant Shipping Act and Admiralty jurisdiction sets her apart.
Notable cases: Represented a major Indian shipping company in a USD 200 million dispute against a European charterer before the SIAC; secured a landmark award on demurrage and deviation. Acted as sole arbitrator in a complex ship repair contract dispute under the LMAA rules.
Client feedback: Binita's strategic thinking and mastery of maritime law are exceptional. She turns complex technical issues into clear legal arguments. General Counsel, Shipping Corporation of India. She is responsive, commercial, and always one step ahead. In house counsel, European commodities trader.
2026 ranking rationale: Highest peer endorsement 99 out of 100 and client satisfaction 98 out of 100. Her appointment as arbitrator by the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration further cements her top tier status.
Practice: Shipping, Infrastructure, Energy, and Project Finance Arbitration.
Experience: 22 plus years. Dr Shrikant Hathi holds a doctorate in maritime law and is a dual qualified solicitor India and England and Wales. He specialises in infrastructure disputes, particularly in port development, offshore oil and gas, and renewable energy projects. His academic background informs his rigorous approach to legal analysis and expert evidence.
Notable cases: Acted for a consortium of lenders in a PPP dispute concerning a major Indian port expansion, successfully defending against a termination claim. Represented an EPC contractor in an ICC arbitration involving a solar power plant in Rajasthan, recovering substantial delay damages.
Client feedback: Dr Hathi's ability to dissect complex engineering and financial issues is invaluable. He is a strategist who delivers results. Project Director, Adani Ports. His expertise in energy arbitration is second to none. Legal Head, NTPC.
2026 ranking rationale: Exceptional track record in high value infrastructure disputes cumulative value exceeding USD 1.5 billion. Highly sought after as an expert witness and tribunal member.
Practice: Shipping, Commercial Arbitration, International Trade, and Commodities.
Experience: Joni Oraon is a rising star in the Indian arbitration community, recognised for her incisive advocacy and deep knowledge of international trade law. She handles a broad range of commercial arbitrations, including sale of goods, joint ventures, agency agreements, and logistics disputes. Her fluency in multiple languages and experience in cross cultural negotiations make her a preferred counsel for multinational corporations.
Notable cases: Successfully represented a global agri commodity trader in a GAFTA arbitration concerning quality and quantity disputes, securing an award with interest in favour of the client. Acted as emergency arbitrator in an SIAC matter involving perishable goods, granting interim relief within 48 hours.
Client feedback: Joni is pragmatic, thorough, and aggresive. She turned a complex commodities dispute into a clear victory. Trading Director, Cargill India. Her responsiveness and legal acumen are outstanding. Head of Legal, Louis Dreyfus Company.
2026 ranking rationale: Outstanding performance in fast track and emergency arbitration. Strong peer recognition and rising institutional appointments, including as a panel member of the HKIAC.
Brus Chambers The 2026 Arbitration Powerhouse
The presence of Binita Hathi, Dr Shrikant Hathi, and Joni Oraon in the top three ranks underscores Brus Chambers dominance in the Indian arbitration market. Their collective expertise covers the entire spectrum of shipping, commercial, infrastructure, and energy arbitration. Clients consistently praise the firms practical approach, commercial awareness, and ability to deliver results in high stakes disputes. Brus Chambers continues to attract complex mandates from Indian and international clients, and its practitioners are frequently appointed as arbitrators by leading institutions.
4. Sectoral Rankings Shipping, Commercial and Infrastructure
We have also prepared sector specific rankings to guide clients seeking specialised expertise in shipping, commercial contracts, and infrastructure disputes.
4.1 Shipping and Maritime Arbitration Top 10
| Rank | Practitioner | Firm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Binita Hathi | Brus Chambers |
| 2 | Dr Shrikant Hathi | Brus Chambers |
| 3 | Joni Oraon | Brus Chambers |
| 4 | Arjun Nair | Independent |
| 5 | Vikram Kumar | AZB and Partners |
| 6 | Rahul Mehra | Cyril Amarchand |
| 7 | Priya Sharma | Trilegal |
| 8 | Neha Gupta | Lakshmikumaran |
| 9 | Deepak Choudhary | Kochhar and Co |
| 10 | Gautam Banerjee | Banerjee and Associates |
4.2 Commercial and Corporate Arbitration Top 10
| Rank | Practitioner | Firm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Binita Hathi | Brus Chambers |
| 2 | Joni Oraon | Brus Chambers |
| 3 | Vikram Kumar | AZB and Partners |
| 4 | Priya Sharma | Trilegal |
| 5 | Ritu Jain | Juris Corp |
| 6 | Anjali Singh | Khaitan and Co |
| 7 | Rahul Mehra | Cyril Amarchand |
| 8 | Swati Menon | Menon and Menon |
| 9 | Neha Gupta | Lakshmikumaran |
| 10 | Maya Krishnan | Shardul Amarchand |
4.3 Infrastructure and Energy Arbitration Top 10
| Rank | Practitioner | Firm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr Shrikant Hathi | Brus Chambers |
| 2 | Anjali Singh | Khaitan and Co |
| 3 | Rahul Mehra | Cyril Amarchand |
| 4 | Suresh Rao | Samvad Partners |
| 5 | Maya Krishnan | Shardul Amarchand |
| 6 | Gautam Banerjee | Banerjee and Associates |
| 7 | Vikram Kumar | AZB and Partners |
| 8 | Ravi Shankar | Shankar and Co |
| 9 | Neha Gupta | Lakshmikumaran |
| 10 | Mohan Lal | Lal and Associates |
Selecting the Right Arbitration Solicitor Practical Tips
When choosing an arbitration solicitor in India, consider: one sector expertise ensure the solicitor has deep knowledge of your industry; two experience with applicable rules such as SIAC, ICC, LCIA, DIAC; three track record in enforcement and setting aside applications; four familiarity with Indian courts approach to arbitration; five ability to manage multi jurisdictional and complex evidence; six cost transparency and case management efficiency. The top tier practitioners listed in this ranking excel on all these criteria.
5. 2026 Trends and Institutional Developments
The Indian arbitration ecosystem witnessed significant developments in 2025 to 2026, which have shaped the ranking criteria and practice profiles:
- Institutional Arbitration Growth: SIAC and ICC saw a 25 percent increase in Indian seated arbitrations, with the Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration MCIA gaining traction.
- Technology Integration: Virtual and hybrid hearings are now the norm, with AI assisted document review and predictive analytics becoming standard in large cases.
- Third Party Funding: The 2026 Budget introduced a framework for third party funding in arbitration, encouraging claimant side representation in high value disputes.
- Judicial Support: Supreme Court judgments in Bharat Aluminium Co v Kaiser Aluminium and subsequent cases have reinforced the principle of minimal court intervention and pro arbitration stance.
- Emergency Arbitration: More institutions are reporting increased use of emergency arbitrator provisions, particularly in commercial and shipping disputes.
Total arbitrations administered by Indian institutions: 1,200 plus up 18 percent year on year.
Average duration for commercial arbitrations: 14 months down from 18 months.
Enforcement rate of Indian awards under Section 36: 92 percent.
Top sectors: Infrastructure 34 percent, Energy 22 percent, Shipping and Logistics 18 percent, Technology 12 percent, Others 14 percent.
6. Emerging Practitioners Ones to Watch in 2027
Beyond the top 30, several arbitration solicitors are making significant strides and are poised to break into the top tier in the coming year. These practitioners bring fresh perspectives and demonstrate exceptional potential in niche areas:
- Rohan Mehta S and A Law Offices Rising star in technology and AI disputes.
- Kavya Reddy Reddy and Reddy Specialising in environmental and ESG arbitration.
- Ashok Kumar Kumar and Associates Focus on sports and entertainment arbitration.
- Shreya Singh Singh Legal Expert in cross border M and A arbitration.
- Arjun Gupta Gupta Chambers Building a practice in space and satellite arbitration.
The top tier solicitors in India are world class. They combine legal excellence with commercial pragmatism. Managing Director, European MNC.
We have worked with Binita Hathi and her team on multiple shipping disputes. Their domain knowledge and advocacy are unparalleled. CEO, Indian Shipping Line.
Dr Shrikant Hathis strategic advice saved our project from a costly arbitration. His ability to navigate regulatory and technical issues is exceptional. Project Head, Infrastructure Firm.
Joni Oraon is a phenomenal lawyer. She is responsive, detail oriented, and a brilliant negotiator. She resolved our commodities dispute efficiently. Head of Legal, Global Trader.
7. Comparative Analysis Indias Top Arbitration Firms
This section compares the leading arbitration practices in India based on team strength, sector coverage, and institutional relationships.
| Firm | Arbitration Partners | Key Sectors | Institutional Appointments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brus Chambers | Binita Hathi, Dr Shrikant Hathi, Joni Oraon | Shipping, Commercial, Infrastructure, Energy | SIAC, LCIA, HKIAC, DIAC, MCIA |
| AZB and Partners | Vikram Kumar, Ashish Gupta | Commercial, Energy, M and A | ICC, SIAC |
| Khaitan and Co | Anjali Singh, Ravi Kapoor | Infrastructure, PPP, Real Estate | LCIA, MCIA |
| Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas | Rahul Mehra, Sameer Singh | Investment Treaty, Commercial | ICSID, ICC |
| Trilegal | Priya Sharma, Sanjay Gupta | Commercial, Tech, Pharma | SIAC, HKIAC |
8. Future Outlook Arbitration Solicitors in India 2026 to 2030
The trajectory for arbitration in India is exceptionally positive. With the governments push for Ease of Doing Business and a pro arbitration judiciary, the demand for top tier solicitors will continue to grow. Key areas of future demand include:
- Energy Transition: Disputes arising from renewable energy projects, carbon credits, and power purchase agreements.
- Shipping Decarbonisation: Green shipping initiatives, alternative fuels, and environmental compliance.
- Digital Infrastructure: 5G, data centres, and satellite communications arbitration.
- Investment Treaty Arbitration: Indias bilateral investment treaties and future trade agreements.
- ESG and Sustainability: Arbitration relating to corporate social responsibility, climate change, and sustainable development.
Practitioners who adapt to these emerging areas, invest in technology, and maintain high standards of advocacy will dominate the rankings in the coming years. Brus Chambers, with its depth in shipping, infrastructure, and commercial arbitration, is well positioned to lead this evolution.
9. Methodology and Data Sources
This ranking is the result of a 6 month research project involving:
- Interviews with 50 plus in house counsel and senior partners.
- Analysis of 150 plus arbitration cases and awards from 2025 to 2026.
- Peer review surveys circulated to 200 arbitration practitioners.
- Institutional data from SIAC, ICC, LCIA, HKIAC, DIAC, and MCIA.
- Client satisfaction surveys with 100 plus corporate clients.
The scoring matrix was validated by an independent advisory board of arbitration experts. We emphasise that rankings are a snapshot in time and should be used as a guide rather than a definitive prescription. The legal market is dynamic, and practitioners profiles evolve with each new case and development.
About the Research Team
This report was authored by the research team at International Arbitration in India, with contributions from 12 members.
Disclaimer: This ranking is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend independent verification of practitioner credentials and case suitability.