RICS launches internationally recognised mediation training programme in India

With nearly 779 of India's major infrastructure projects running behind schedule and around 450 having overshot their sanctioned budgets, pushing cost overruns to close to Rs5 lakh crore (over $60 billion) according to data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), and with contractual disputes a recognised driver of such delays, the need for faster, relationship-preserving dispute resolution has never been greater. Against this backdrop, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a body working in the public interest, has launched its internationally recognised Mediation Training Programme in India to equip professionals across construction, real estate, infrastructure, and legal sectors with specialised mediation and dispute resolution skills. Following the Mediation Act, 2023, India's mediation ecosystem has been evolving and experiencing a dearth of trained mediation professionals. The RICS mediation training programme will fulfill this need by training and equipping the professionals with knowledge and skills.

The five-day, face-to-face programme starting from 29th June - 04th July 2026 will be conducted in New Delhi in partnership with the India Council of Arbitration (ICA). John Fletcher, Executive Director, Dispute Resolution Service, will serve as the lead trainer for the programme, bringing experience in mediation and conflict resolution. The programme combines facilitative and evaluative approaches to mediation as it has been designed for professionals working in the built environment and related sectors where disputes can often involve complex commercial, contractual, technical, and stakeholder considerations. The training programme aims to equip professionals with the skills required to facilitate constructive dialogue, navigate commercial disputes, and help parties arrive at mutually beneficial outcomes.

Ashwani Awasthi, Managing Director – RICS, South Asia said in a statement,“The future of dispute resolution will not be defined solely by who wins a case, but by how effectively parties can preserve relationships, minimise disruption, and create sustainable outcomes. India's mediation ecosystem is entering an exciting phase of growth, supported by policy, industry demand, and increasing awareness. We see a significant opportunity to develop professionals who can combine sector expertise with mediation skills to help businesses navigate disputes more constructively and efficiently.”

In addition to professional skill development, successful participants will gain access to internationally recognised progression opportunities. On programme completion, participants will be eligible to apply for empanelment to various mediation panels like the Indian Council of Arbitration's Mediator Panel and the RICS International Panel of Dispute Resolvers, subject to fulfilling other requirements.