India Highlights Legal Reforms at 12th SCO Justice Ministers’ Meeting 2025

In a significant step toward deepening regional cooperation in legal affairs, India participated in the Twelfth Session of the Justice Ministers' Meeting (JMM) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States on 29th October 2025, represented by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law & Justice. The high-level gathering was conducted via video conferencing and brought together Justice Ministers and senior officials from across the SCO's diverse membership to reaffirm commitments and strengthen collaboration on law and justice initiatives.

Widening Cooperation Across Legal Systems in Eurasia

The meeting, hosted virtually by Russia, saw the active participation of Ministers and delegates from SCO member states, including:

• Belarus

• India

• Iran

• Kazakhstan

• China

• Kyrgyz Republic

• Pakistan

• Tajikistan

• Uzbekistan

Deputy Secretary General of the SCO, Mr. Khan Soheil, was also in attendance.

The Ministers deliberated on strengthening legal cooperation, enhancing cross-border dispute resolution mechanisms, and developing shared digital tools in the justice sector. In line with the "SCO Development Strategy until 2035," the session concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement, reflecting the member states' unified stance on legal system development, long-term legal cooperation, and digital innovation.

India's Legal Transformation: Accessible, Inclusive, and Tech-Driven

Addressing the assembly, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted the sweeping reforms being undertaken by the Government of India to modernize the justice delivery system. He emphasized the government's efforts to ensure affordable and easy access to justice for all, particularly under the national development vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

He detailed key initiatives such as:

• Free legal aid to marginalized communities

• The launch and success of E-Lok Adalats, leveraging technology with Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms

• Emphasis on Commercial Courts Act, Arbitration & Conciliation laws, and other business-friendly legal reforms that strengthen India's position as a preferred global investment destination

These reforms, Shri Meghwal noted, are not just about improving legal infrastructure but about empowering citizens, attracting businesses, and fostering innovation in justice delivery.

India Calls for Deeper Collaboration Within SCO Legal Fraternity

The Union Minister urged SCO Member States to make full use of the Justice Ministers' Forum as a platform to exchange best practices, legislative innovations, and technology-led legal solutions. He stressed the need to expand the forum's scope to include regular conferences, seminars, and training modules that can foster institutional capacity and enhance regional synergy in legal affairs.

He reiterated India's readiness to share its legal expertise and technical innovations with SCO partners to build mutually beneficial legal ecosystems.

Digitization and ADR Top the SCO Agenda

A key focus area of the deliberations was the digitisation of judicial and legal services across SCO nations. Participants highlighted the importance of:

• Developing robust digital infrastructure in Ministries of Justice

• Enhancing interoperability and cybersecurity

• Promoting technology-driven legal services

There was also a strong consensus on the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to reduce litigation burden, enhance transparency, and foster amicable cross-border business relations. India's example of E-Lok Adalats and structured ADR frameworks was lauded as a model of legal innovation.

A Shared Vision for Legal Cooperation

In their Joint Statement, the SCO Justice Ministers resolved to:

• Continue cooperation in accordance with the SCO Charter and Treaty on Long-Term Good Neighbourliness

• Strengthen collaborative mechanisms in legal system reforms, ADR, legal education, and digital legal services

• Organize annual conferences, workshops, and forums to facilitate mutual learning and coordination

The statement also reaffirmed that long-term legal cooperation is a strategic pillar of the SCO's development agenda and plays a critical role in maintaining peace, stability, and economic cooperation across the region.

India's Delegation: Legal and Diplomatic Synergy

The Indian delegation was composed of high-ranking officials from multiple departments, including:

• Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Law Secretary

• Mr. Alok A. Dimri, Additional Secretary (SCO), Ministry of External Affairs

• Shri Japan Babu, Joint Secretary & Legal Adviser

• Dr. S.K. Jain, Director-cum-Chief Forensic Scientist, DFS Services

• Ms. Renu Sinha, Joint Secretary & Legislative Counsel

• Ms. Monika Rani, Director, Department of Justice

• Shri Amit Jakhmola, Consultant, MEA

Their presence underscored the inter-ministerial coordination India brings to international legal cooperation.

Looking Ahead: SCO Justice Ministers to Meet in Tajikistan

The next session of the SCO Justice Ministers' Meeting will be hosted by the Republic of Tajikistan in 2026, where member nations are expected to review progress on digital justice, ADR systems, and further institutionalize the legal cooperation framework laid out during the 2025 session.

This session of the JMM reflects a deepening resolve among SCO countries to collaborate not only in economic and security matters but also in legal architecture, ensuring justice remains a foundation for inclusive growth and regional peace.