New Delhi buzzed with judicial diplomacy as Chief Justice of India Surya Kant opened the BRICS Chief Justices' Forum with a powerful vision: stronger international legal cooperation through shared platforms and practices. On September 4, 2026, he addressed top judges from emerging economies, stressing how courts can build bridges between nations.

Key facts

  • CJI Surya Kant proposed a common platform for arbitration and mediation
  • Heads of judiciary from 16 countries attended the three-day forum
  • Bilateral meetings focused on MoUs, judicial awards recognition, and AI integration

A Forum for Legal Harmony

The Supreme Court of India hosted judicial leaders from BRICS member states and partner countries, creating an unprecedented gathering of legal minds. The atmosphere felt both collegial and purposeful—delegates from Russia, China, Egypt, and beyond exchanging handshakes and ideas in equal measure.

Building Bridges Through Law

CJI Kant didn't just speak about cooperation; he demonstrated it through a marathon of bilateral meetings. He sat down with counterparts from Uzbekistan, China, South Africa, and a dozen other nations, discussing everything from mutual recognition of court decisions to using artificial intelligence to streamline justice systems.

The conversations kept returning to a central theme: how to make cross-border business smoother and more trustworthy. "The discussions were held on the requirement of efficient commercial courts to enhance trust of foreign investors," noted the Supreme Court's official statement, capturing the practical focus of the talks.

A Shared Vision for Justice

What emerged from these conversations was a clear appetite for deeper collaboration. The proposal for a common arbitration platform felt particularly timely—a concrete solution to the growing number of international commercial disputes that span multiple jurisdictions.

As the forum continues for two more days, delegates will share perspectives on common challenges. The opening day set a tone of genuine engagement, with CJI Kant reminding everyone that "the bilateral meetings were an opportunity for direct interaction and exchange of views on matters of mutual judicial interest."