Bhasin calls on legal profession in Asia to move towards greater dialogue and cooperation
The New Delhi-based Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), the apex representative body of law firms in India, has signed an Asian Legal Accord for fostering sustained regional legal cooperation across Asia by establishing a framework for sustained regional cooperation across investment, intellectual property, cross-border dispute resolution, talent mobility and capacity building.
Envisioned as a founding framework for regional dialogue, cooperation and institution-building across Asia’s legal community, the Accord seeks to encourage greater cooperation while respecting the distinct legal systems and traditions across jurisdictions, a SILF spokesperson said.
SILF President Dr Lalit Bhasin led the according signing at AURELIS 2026 (Asian Union for Regulatory and Emerging Legal Inclusive Systems), its international conference in Bangkok on 18 September, bringing together around 150 legal professionals, law firms, general counsel and legal institutions from jurisdictions across Asia and the Middle East.
A key highlight of the conference was setting up of an initiative towards building a shared legal architecture in the region. AURELIS will serve as an annual forum for the review and renewal of the framework, providing continuity to the initiative beyond the inaugural conference.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Dr Bhasin said, “As trade, investment, technology and businesses increasingly transcend national borders, the legal profession in Asia must also move towards greater dialogue and cooperation. Asia has diverse legal systems and regulatory frameworks, and issues such as cross-border dispute resolution, data privacy, artificial intelligence and digital trade are creating new challenges that cannot be looked at in isolation. There is a need to build stronger institutional linkages among legal professionals across jurisdictions while respecting the sovereignty and distinct legal traditions of each country.”
He elaborated, “AURELIS 2026 will mark the beginning of this journey, bringing together law firms, general counsel, legal institutions and professionals from different jurisdictions. Through this initiative, we hope to build stronger and enduring professional relationships and contribute towards a more connected legal ecosystem across Asia.”
Organised under the theme “Moving Towards Asian Legal Accord”, AURELIS 2026 delegates discussed some of the key legal and regulatory issues confronting businesses and legal professionals across jurisdictions. Sessions examined the future of dispute solutions in Asia; legal and commercial linkages across India, the Gulf, Southeast Asia and Africa; data privacy across jurisdictions; Asia’s preparedness for AI regulation; country-specific legal developments; and the impact of artificial intelligence on legal education and practice.
The deliberations also covered regulatory fragmentation, cross-border dispute resolution and enforcement, data sovereignty, AI accountability and liability, digital trade, regulatory interoperability and emerging business corridors.
The conference had participation from jurisdictions including India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, along with representation from Africa. International legal and dispute-resolution institutions participants included the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (HKIArb), Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC), Bhutan Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (BADRC), Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC), Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), Malaysia, and Bangalore International Mediation, Arbitration and Conciliation Centre (BIMACC), India.
“Through AURELIS 2026 and the Asian Legal Accord, SILF aims to strengthen institutional and professional relationships between Indian law firms and the wider Asian legal community at a time when trade, investment, technology and businesses are increasingly operating across jurisdictions,” said Dr Bhasin. “The initiative seeks to create sustained channels for dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation while addressing emerging legal and regulatory challenges arising from greater cross-border economic integration.” Fiinews.com
