LIDW26 | From the Mahabharata to the Mediation Act, 2023: India and England Compare Notes on Why Mediation Is Winning

A panel at London International Disputes Week (LIDW) 2026 examined the future of commercial dispute resolution in India and the UK, highlighting the growing role of mediation alongside arbitration and litigation. Discussions focused on the need for faster, cost-effective and relationship-preserving dispute resolution mechanisms, concerns over rising costs and delays in arbitration, and the increasing adoption of mediation supported by legislative and institutional reforms. Participants also explored hybrid models such as Arb-Med-Arb, the importance of early intervention, and the evolving role of lawyers in helping businesses choose the most suitable dispute-resolution strategy. “Mediation is not a new concept in India. “Businesses today are not merely interested in getting a decision. They want quicker resolution, lower cost, confidentiality and most importantly preservation of future cooperation. The real question in India today is not whether we should go for arbitration or mediation. The question is which method is best suited to resolve the dispute, preserve future business cooperation and business value,” said Sidharth Sethi, Partner, JSA. Read more