RICS Mediation Training Programme

As India’s built environment continues to grow in complexity, the volume and nature of disputes are evolving. Projects now involve multiple parties, cross-border elements, layered contracts and intense time pressures. Against this backdrop, the need for more structured, collaborative and cost-effective ways of resolving disputes is becoming clear; as such, mediation is increasingly seen as a practical and professional response.

Unlike litigation or arbitration, mediation offers a more flexible process that enables parties to reach agreement. The focus is not on deciding who is right or wrong, but on guiding the parties towards a workable solution. In many cases, this also allows business relationships to be preserved, which can be critical in industries where future cooperation is expected.

The value of mediation lies in both its structure and adaptability: the process can accommodate a wide range of disputes, from delayed project timelines and payment issues to disagreements over technical delivery or contract terms. Skilled mediators can help the parties examine the evidence, identify shared concerns, and consider both legal and commercial realities. In doing so, they help reduce the need for lengthy and costly proceedings.

Typically, the mediator is sector specialist who can use their knowledge and expertise to fully understand the issues and dispute to provide evaluation on technical terms which assists the parties in a resolution. The role of the mediator is to help establish common ground, clarify points of difference and, most importantly, move discussions forward. From there, parties typically move into private discussions, where the mediator can explore each side’s concerns in more detail.

Commercial mediators do more than simply listen. Their role is to test assumptions, reality-check positions, and help each party reflect on the risks of not settling. Mediation allows the parties to be open about what matters most to them, whether that’s clarity around timelines, reputational impact, or avoiding further legal costs. The outcomes of mediation can also be broader than those offered by a court or tribunal. Confidentiality clauses, phased payments or revised terms can all form part of a settlement, depending on the needs of those involved.

Ashwani Awasthi, Managing Director - South Asia at RICS, reflects on the significance of mediation for the built environment in India: “Mediation offers built environment professionals in India a vital skill set to navigate conflicts and foster collaboration. In a rapidly urbanizing landscape, the ability to resolve disputes amicably not only enhances communication among stakeholders but also ensures efficient project delivery and sustainable development. In the journey towards Viksit Bharat, as we strive for harmonious coexistence between infrastructure and community needs, RICS offers a mediation course that empowers professionals to transform challenges into opportunities for collective progress.”

Justice Hemant Gupta (Retd.), Former Judge, Supreme Court of India and Chairperson, India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) added:

“The Mediation Training organised by RICS is a need for professional development for all new and experienced mediators particularly in the specialised field of the construction and infrastructure sector. In this direction, tailor-made mediation training programs to impart sector-specific technical knowledge and apply them during a mediation is sine qua non. The present Program organised in association with IIAC will strengthen of the area of mediation.”

The RICS Mediation Training Programme equips participants with both facilitative and evaluative mediation techniques. The training focuses on real-world commercial disputes, giving professionals the tools to act as mediators or to represent clients effectively during mediation proceedings. The course is recognised by global bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the International Mediation Institute.

With pressure growing across the built environment for faster, more constructive ways to manage disputes, mediation presents a route forward. For professionals across land, real estate, infrastructure and construction, developing mediation skills is increasingly becoming part of core dispute resolution practices.

Join the RICS Mediation Training Programme in New Delhi, during 12-17 May 2025, supported by IIAC.

Visit www.rics.org/training-events/training-courses/rics-mediation-training-programme-india to register.