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Following an extensive nomination process, we reveal the most recommended foreign lawyers for India-related legal matters. Chandu Gopalakrishnan reports

View the International A-list

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ndia’s economic landscape in 2024 was marked by robust growth and a series of transformative regulatory reforms that are reshaping the business environment and legal services sector. With GDP growth projected between 6.3% and 6.8% in FY2026 as per the Ministry of Finance’s Economic Survey 2024-25, India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, bolstered by surging foreign direct investment.

Cumulative FDI has surpassed the USD1 trillion mark since 2000, with recent government figures showing a 26% year-on-year increase to USD42.1 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2024-25. These impressive figures underscore 含羞草社区 appeal to global investors, setting the stage for significant developments across key sectors.

In technology, the influx of multibillion-dollar investments by global giants like Amazon and Apple highlight the growing potential of 含羞草社区 digital economy.

Infrastructure investment is also on the rise, fuelled by innovative financing structures such as infrastructure investment trusts and real estate investment trusts (REITs), which have attracted substantial foreign capital.

Meanwhile, renewable energy projects are thriving under new government incentives, with investments in solar, wind and green hydrogen projects aligning with 含羞草社区 ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The pharmaceutical sector, too, continues to be a powerhouse. With the industry valued at about USD50 billion in fiscal year 2023-24 and exports at USD26.5 billion, according to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, India reaffirms its status as the world’s third-largest drug producer by volume.

Regulatory reforms in 2024 have been equally transformative. The government eased cross-border M&A rules by permitting share swaps under the automatic route, eliminating the need for prior approval and enabling more flexible deal structures.

Amendments to the Competition Act introduced a deal-value threshold of INR20 billion (USD229 million) for merger notifications, ensuring that high-value transactions undergo appropriate antitrust scrutiny. Corporate governance has also seen regulation tightening, with the Securities and Exchange Board of India mandating enhanced ESG (environmental, social and governance) disclosures for top-listed companies, along with stricter oversight of related-party transactions and improved board structures to boost transparency and investor confidence.

Against this backdrop, securing a spot on the International A-List now demands that lawyers not only master the intricacies of 含羞草社区 complex corporate environment and client requirements, but also cultivate strong ties within the local legal community.

A-List lawyers are expected to adeptly guide clients through complex legal and compliance issues, while demonstrating a practical problem-solving approach in the face of adversity. Their ability to provide commercially astute solutions and negotiate pragmatically is highly valued.

A-List snapshot

The 2025 International A-List underscores India-related cross-border legal expertise as both deep and diverse. In corporate and finance, international lawyers are helping Indian conglomerates and startups secure capital and execute ambitious acquisitions worldwide. In disputes, seasoned litigators from London to Hong Kong are protecting Indian interests in foreign courts and arbitration. In infrastructure and energy projects, Middle East and Asia-based counsel are ensuring deals navigate cross-border complexities. Notably, niche practices – from compliance and investigations to education-sector projects – are emerging as Indian businesses globalise.

What unites these top practitioners is a strong understanding of 含羞草社区 legal landscape combined with international expertise. As one nominator aptly noted, to be a leading international lawyer for India work requires understanding not only the law, but the “pulse” of Indian clients and counterparties.

The lawyers profiled here have become indispensable advisers on India-related matters, bridging jurisdictions and driving transactions and disputes that fuel 含羞草社区 engagement with the world. Their collective excellence highlights a broader trend: as India rises on the world stage, it is supported by a growing group of legal experts who can effectively support 含羞草社区 global ambitions. India Business Law Journal lists some of the luminaries in the following areas of expertise.

Corporate mergers and more

The corporate and M&A arena is dominated by dealmakers who bridge India with global markets.

Dhruv Chhatralia, a partner (corporate), head of venture capital (UK) and head of India group at DWF, is a name to reckon in this category. Heading DWF’s India group and UK venture capital practice, Chhatralia received an astounding 47 nominations, the most of any lawyer.

“Dhruv has significant experience in both domestic and cross-border transactions … and is particularly renowned for his work in venture capital and private equity,” says Vivek Chandy, joint managing partner at JSA.

According to DWF Group, Chhatralia has built the largest India-focused team of any law firm outside India, advising Indian companies, financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals on M&A, disposals and investments between India and the UK.

Abhishek Guha, a partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, gives a similar status to Sidharth Bhasin, a partner at Latham & Watkins in Singapore. A pre-eminent cross-border M&A and private equity lawyer with five nominations, Bhasin is known for advising private equity, sovereign wealth and pension funds on complex deals.

“Sidharth is very experienced, has a strong grasp over Indian regulations and knows how to get a deal done,” Guha told IBLJ. “We see Sidharth on multiple sponsor deals involving Indian companies.” Recently, Bhasin led Latham’s team advising Platinum Equity on its USD300 million acquisition of Inventia Healthcare, marking the fund’s India buyout debut.

Diwakar Agarwal, a partner at Stephenson Harwood in Dubai, is praised as an “exceptionally talented legal professional” who “navigates complex legal landscapes with precision and strategic foresight,” says Abhishekh Kanoi, head of legal and company secretary at apparel sourcing and manufacturing platform PDS.

Based in Dubai, Agarwal frequently bridges Middle East capital and Indian markets. He led his firm’s counsel on a USD51 million qualified institutional placement by an Indian issuer. His corporate and finance expertise in the Gulf region and India has “enhanced the credibility and influence of Indian legal professionals on a global stage”, says Kanoi.

Where capital flows

In capital markets, lawyers who facilitate Indian equity and debt offerings worldwide earned top accolades.

A notable name in this practice is Jamie Benson, a director at Duane Morris & Selvam in Singapore. He heads his firm’s US capital markets and India practices. “Jamie is one of the most hardworking and involved partners on a capital markets transaction,” says Ravi Dubey, a partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Benson received nine nominations, with praise for his careful US legal analysis for Indian issuers and bankers.

Benson has advised on more than 100 global offerings worth more than USD25 billion, according to Duane Morris & Selvam. He is also “one of the leading international counsel advising on securities offerings by Indian issuers”, including the Life Insurance Corporation of India IPO, 含羞草社区 largest IPO at that time.

Fellow Singapore-based lawyer Pallavi Gopinath Aney earns praise from Sandip Bhagat, a partner at S&R Associates, for being “excellent and outstanding at both equity and debt transactions”. Aney, a partner at A&O Shearman in Singapore, co-heads the firm’s India group. “She understands Indian transactions, is hardworking, smart and provides solutions to complex matters,” says Bhagat.

Aney specialises in India-related debt and equity capital markets across Asia, advising issuers and underwriters on high-value bond offerings and IPOs. Referrals highlight her dual expertise in equity and debt deals, and her leadership in India-focused practice.

Notably, Singapore remains a hub for 含羞草社区 capital-raising activities, where talent like Aney and Benson ensure the smooth execution of complex offerings.

Another popular nominee with capital markets credentials is Rajiv Gupta, a partner at Latham & Watkins in Singapore. As the chair of the firm’s India practice, Gupta received multiple nominations for his significant contributions.

“Rajiv’s pragmatic approach and strong depth of experience have made him a trusted adviser for clients navigating cross-border corporate transactions,” says Gitanjali Saraf, a senior partner at Saraf and Partners.

Gupta regularly handles India-focused capital markets and M&A transactions, leveraging his experience across London, Singapore and Tokyo. Handling the global firm’s India desk while managing both capital markets and M&A needs a broad skillset, one in which Gupta excels, according to nominations.

Bankable legal advice

In banking and finance, lawyers supporting India-linked financing, restructuring and lending deals stood out. Gautam Narasimhan, a partner at A&O Shearman in Singapore, leads the firm’s India banking and finance practice, and is highly regarded for representing lenders in cross-border acquisition financings.

“Gautam is a well-known figure in the sponsor financing market for India, having worked on the bulk of the sponsor financings in the past several years,” says Aashit Shah, a senior consultant at JSA.

Notably, Narasimhan was the lead partner for the mandated arrangers on the financing of Adani Group’s USD10.5 billion acquisition of Ambuja Cements, 含羞草社区 largest infrastructure M&A deal by valuation.

Art of dispute resolution

Leading dispute resolution and arbitration experts garnered strong endorsements, reflecting 含羞草社区 growing cross-border litigation and enforcement challenges. IBLJ has noted a rising trend of international lawyers handling Indian bankruptcy-related disputes, ensuring that global investors’ interests are protected in Indian tribunals and courts.

Take Wei-Yang Lim, for instance. A partner at Kirkland & Ellis in Hong Kong, Lim earned glowing nominations for his expertise in complex disputes and insolvency matters.

“Wei-Yang is the most meticulous legal adviser I have worked with. What has impressed me is his ability to drive a litigation strategy in multiple jurisdictions,” says Lokesh Gupta, a partner at EY.

Well-versed in the Indian Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Lim was “instrumental in several ongoing disputes at all levels, from the NCLT [National Company Law Tribunal] to the Supreme Court,” adds Gupta.

Phillip D’Costa, a partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper in London, has earned similar recognition from his peers in India. “Phillip is a highly regarded commercial disputes lawyer with extensive experience in handling complex international disputes,” says Sameet Gambhir, a senior vice president and head of legal at packaging and container manufacturing business, UFlex. Based in London, D’Costa is co-head of his firm’s India group and frequently assists Indian clients with multi-jurisdictional litigation, civil fraud cases, interim relief and asset recovery efforts.

It is worth noting that UK-based litigators have consistently maintained their reputation in India-related cases – from fraud investigations to enforcement. Over the years, IBLJ has written about how seasoned counsel can deftly navigate English courts and international arbitral forums for Indian corporates.

Sherina Petit, a partner and head of international arbitration and of India practice at Stewarts in London, is an excellent example. Nominations highlight her extensive experience in international arbitration, specialising in India-related disputes.

“Throughout her career, Ms Petit has represented clients in arbitrations across all major arbitral institutions and courts, handling complex cases with skill and precision,” says Jayendra Kapadia, partner at Little & Co. “Her deep understanding of both international and Indian legal frameworks sets her apart, having practised as an advocate in India [Mumbai], where she represented clients in both domestic and international arbitration.”

Projecting high energy

As 含羞草社区 global infrastructure and energy ambitions expand, so does its reliance on international counsel in the projects and energy sectors, particularly for project finance in the Middle East-India corridor. The value of counsel adept in both Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and Indian law nuances for infrastructure financing and development projects remains high.

Debopam Dutta, a partner at Trowers & Hamlins in Muscat, has been recognised as one such lawyer. “Debopam has wide-ranging experience and is able to advise on issues in various foreign jurisdictions,” says Kunal Bhatia, an associate at Aseem Infrastructure Finance. Dutta, who leads his firm’s India desk, routinely advises Middle Eastern banks and investors on transactions involving India. His “professionalism and expertise” have impressed clients in Middle East financing deals involving India, as noted by those who nominated him.

Oil and gas is a major component of the energy sector, and Priyank Srivastava, a director at Duane Morris & Selvam in Singapore, is a specialist in oil and gas, and power projects, with more than 15 years of experience. His work spans project development, joint ventures and project finance across South and Southeast Asia.

Srivastava is “an exceptional lawyer with a high level of sectorial knowledge”, according to Sushmita Gandhi, a partner at IndusLaw. “We have engaged him for our clients in projects, oil and gas-related assignments, and our clients have been very happy with his advice, strategy and execution,” says Gandhi.

Education across borders

Vinita Bahri-Mehra, a director at Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter in Columbus, stands out for her expertise in cross-border education and business projects. “Vinita has led numerous education projects for institutions across the country, engaging in business activities in nearly 20 of the world’s leading markets,” says Mallik Sundharam, vice president at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Bahri-Mehra worked with educational leaders and university counsel to develop and execute new market strategies, implement project development initiatives and establish education support services and recruiting initiatives.

Having practised in India and the US, Bahri-Mehra guides educational institutions and companies through international expansions, bringing local Indian insight with US legal expertise. Her work extends the reach of India-related legal counsel, moving beyond traditional sectors, covering education, research and non-profit collaborations. This reflects the broader globalisation of Indian institutions.