15-Hours Advanced Commercial Mediation Training Program Conducted By NALSA & International Academy Of Mediators At Supreme Court of India

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in collaboration with the International Academy of Mediators (IAM) and their India knowledge partners, The ADR Group (TAG), successfully organized the 2^nd batch of the 15-Hours Advanced Commercial Mediation Training Program from 03rd March to 5th March 2025 at the Supreme Court of India. The three-day intensive training program was designed to equip trainers, senior trainers and potential trainers with advanced mediation skills essential for resolving complex commercial disputes, domestic and cross-border.

The inaugural session was graced by Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Judge, Supreme Court of India & Executive Chairman, NALSA, who emphasized the increasing significance of mediation as a primary dispute resolution mechanism in India's evolving legal and economic landscape. He highlighted that with India's expanding economy and rising cross-border trade, mediation has become a necessity rather than an alternative.

The program was also attended by Justice P.S. Narasimha, Judge, Supreme Court of India, along with officials from NALSA and SCLSC, including Shri S.C. Munghate, Member Secretary, NALSA, Shri Santosh Kumar, Secretary, SCLSC, Shri Samarendra P. Naik-Nimbalkar, Director, NALSA, Ms. Amandeep Sibia, OSD, NALSA, Ms. Shreya AroraMehta, OSD, NALSA, Ms. Avritee Naithani, OSD, NALSA and Shri Anurag Bhaskar, OSD (Research), NALSA.

With the participation of 33 trained mediators, the program aimed to strengthen India's commercial mediation framework, ensuring an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism aligned with international standards. The training was led by leading global experts in mediation, namely Mr. Jonathan Lloyd-Jones, President Elect, IAM and Commercial Mediator and Director, Independent Mediators Ltd. (from United Kingdom); Mr. Claude Amar, Vice President, IAM and Managing Partner, Mediation & Resolution (from France); Mr. Tat Lim, Governor, IAM and Managing Partner, Aequitas Law LLP/ Commercial Mediator, Maxwell Mediators (from Singapore); Ms. Prachi Mehta, Governor, IAM and Founder & Managing Partner, the ADR Group (TAG); and Ms. Anveeksha T. Jain, Senior Mediator and Lead Psychologist, TAG (from India), covering areas such as psychology in commercial mediation & negotiations, managing difficult parties and overcoming impasses, mediating international and cross-border commercial disputes, co-mediation techniques, and words & communication techniques through interactive sessions, role plays, case studies, and practical simulations.

The training concluded with an address by Justice Narasimha, who highlighted the transformative role of mediation in India's legal system. Emphasizing the importance of the Mediation Act, 2023, he underscored India's potential to emerge as a global hub for commercial mediation. He commended NALSA and IAM for their efforts in equipping mediators with the skills needed to drive this change.