International arbitration in India: One step forward with new rules

The Bar Council's latest rules go a long way but there are some major hurdles to India's evolution as a global arbitral centre

International arbitration in India got a leg-up recently, with the Bar Council of India (BCI) issuing the rules for registration and regulation of foreign lawyers and foreign law firms in India. This followed the BCI’s announcement earlier this month allowing foreign lawyers to practise in India, advising clients on foreign law with the restriction that they cannot appear in court. The move is expected to alter the legal landscape, although experts have sought clarity on a range of issues that could become hurdles going forward.

The broad expectation, however, is that the new dispensation for foreign lawyers would mark a