- Vipul Agrawal
- Partner
Practice Co-Chair – Transnational Litigation and International Arbitration | Asset Recovery, Enforcement, Global Investigations & White-Collar Crime | Corporate Advisory, Governance & Compliance
Practice Overview
Vipul maintains a distinguished practice at the intersection of international arbitration, cross-border commercial litigation, and complex enforcement proceedings, with particular expertise in corporate insolvency and white-collar crime. His practice is characterised by sophisticated multi-jurisdictional mandates involving governance disputes, regulatory investigations, and financial crime, where he acts for sovereign states, multinational corporations, leading financial institutions, and prominent business leaders including C-suite executives, and high net worth individuals.
Vipul has extensive experience conducting and managing arbitrations under the auspices of leading institutions including ICC, SIAC, LCIA, DIAC, GAFTA, FOSFA, MCIA, and ICA, as well as ad hoc proceedings governed by UNCITRAL Rules. His arbitral practice encompasses seats across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the MENA region, often coupled with parallel proceedings in Indian and foreign courts concerning recognition, enforcement, and challenge of awards.
His disputes portfolio spans complex shareholder conflicts, large-scale infrastructure and construction projects, energy and natural resources contracts, sophisticated real estate ventures, and high-value commercial claims. He is particularly recognised for his ability to navigate the intricate procedural and substantive challenges that arise in multi-party, multi-contract disputes.
A cornerstone of his practice involves asset recovery and enforcement, particularly in cases involving fraud and financial misconduct. Vipul has significant experience securing injunctive relief, worldwide freezing orders, and implementing complex multi-jurisdictional recovery strategies across Indian and foreign courts, frequently leading international legal teams to ensure seamless cross-border execution.
In the regulatory and criminal sphere, Vipul has acted in multi-jurisdictional investigations involving allegations of money laundering, bribery, corruption, and financial fraud. His experience includes proceedings concerning the Directorate of Enforcement, Central Bureau of Investigation, Serious Fraud Investigation Office, and Economic Offences Wing, often requiring coordination with foreign counsel and international investigative bodies.
Beyond contentious matters, Vipul serves as trusted counsel to boards of directors, company promoters, and international investors on matters of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and crisis management. He is regularly retained to address complex situations involving cross-border investment structures, disclosure obligations, joint venture arrangements, and force majeure events, providing strategic guidance that balances commercial imperatives with regulatory requirements.
His sectoral reach encompasses construction and heavy engineering, banking and financial services, energy and natural resources, technology and telecommunications, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, agritech, real estate development, and public policy, reflecting both the diversity of his expertise and the international character of his clientele.
Vipul is regularly instructed before trial and appellate courts throughout India, including the Supreme Court of India. However, his practice is increasingly international in orientation, often requiring sophisticated coordination across jurisdictions and sustained engagement with foreign law firms, arbitral institutions, and regulatory authorities worldwide.
Beyond active practice, Vipul contributes as a recognised speaker and commentator on international dispute resolution and commercial law, delivering lectures and conducting training programmes at leading academic institutions, professional associations, and regulatory forums. His thought leadership helps shape contemporary discourse on cross-border legal practice and international commercial law.
Vipul is consistently recognized as a rising star in dispute resolution and commercial arbitration by leading global legal directories. He received an Honourable Mention as India Lawyer of the Year at the asialaw Awards 2023, is ranked as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2023–2025), recommended by The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific (2024, 2025), and listed as a Notable Practitioner by asialaw (2025). International publications describe him as “undoubtedly a rising star at the commercial and construction law bar… stupendously talented and a master strategist,” and note his growing reputation for handling complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes. Clients commend him as “an exceptionally skilled lawyer who excels at thinking on his feet… whose efficiency, reliability and dedication make a profound impact on every case”. He is further praised for his “ability to provide innovative solutions to any problem, devising creative strategies and novel arguments that consistently deliver results,” and for being “very results-oriented, precise and convincing in his arguments”. His peers and clients alike highlight him as “a bright young mind who brings fresh ideas to the table… sharp, confident, and eloquent in court”, while also being “humble and polite… yet assertive and persuasive”. Collectively, these recognitions position Vipul among the new generation of leading Indian lawyers with a growing international profile in commercial disputes, arbitration, enforcement, asset recovery and business crime.
Awards & Recognition
- Notable Practitioner – asialaw (2025)
- Recommended Lawyer – The Legal 500 (2025, 2024)
- Future Star – Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2025, 2024, 2023)
- Honourable Mention, India Lawyer of the Year – asialaw Awards (2023)
Expertise
Dispute Resolution, Transnational Litigation, International Arbitration
Vipul specializes in high-stakes commercial disputes that span multiple jurisdictions, combining arbitration advocacy with strategic litigation across Indian and international courts. He has successfully managed complex arbitrations under major institutional rules while simultaneously coordinating parallel enforcement proceedings, interim relief applications, and asset preservation measures across different legal systems. His distinctive strength lies in crafting unified dispute strategies that leverage both arbitral proceedings and court interventions to achieve optimal client outcomes in cross-border commercial conflicts.
Vipul’s early experience as Tribunal Secretary to prominent arbitrators across common law and civil law systems provides him with distinctive procedural insight and strategic perspective on tribunal dynamics. This behind-the-scenes experience enables him to anticipate tribunal preferences, craft more effective procedural strategies, and develop creative approaches that maximize favorable outcomes for his clients in complex arbitration proceedings.
Notable Work
- Acted for His Majesty the King in Right of Canada in complex international litigation involving cross-border fraud and the freezing and recovery of sovereign assets.
- A multi-billion-dollar ad hoc arbitration between a Russian state-owned industrial conglomerate and an Indian state-owned energy major concerning the construction of a Mega Power Plant.
- Acted for the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm in relation to a significant commercial litigation before the High Court of England and Wales.
- UNCITRAL arbitration concerning multiple disputes arising between an Indian energy major and a Swiss global engineering conglomerate concerning the construction of a grassroots oil refinery.
- Two consolidated arbitrations concerning a Production Sharing Agreement between India’s biggest energy conglomerate and a leading upstream oil and gas company.
- ICC arbitration concerning a project for setting up a sinter plant between India’s largest steel producer and a consortium of Indian and German engineering and construction contractors.
- Ad hoc arbitration between an Indian state-owned power generation corporation and a construction contractor (a joint venture between two construction and engineering majors from Austria and India) concerning a 520 MW Hydropower project.
- Two consolidated arbitrations concerning two major expressway construction projects in India.
- Two consolidated arbitrations between a French global energy management company and a leading Indian renewable energy major concerning two solar power plants.
- ICC arbitration between a consortium of two Japanese & Indian companies and an Indian state-owned entity concerning an FIDIC modelled construction contract.
- Two consolidated arbitrations under ICC Rules between a Slovenian heavy machinery manufacturer and an Indian engineering, construction, and infrastructure major.
- Ad hoc arbitration emanating from an EPC Contract between a leading construction contractor in India and the National Highways Authority in a dispute concerning delay and price escalation.
- Acted for India’s leading steam coal importer before the Supreme Court of India against a leading Swiss energy and commodities trader in proceedings concerning the enforcement of a London-seated foreign arbitral award.
- ICA arbitration between a Singapore-based trading major and India’s largest state-owned trading corporation concerning the supply of imported steam coal of Indonesian origin to India.
- Ad hoc arbitration between a leading Chinese Construction and Engineering company and an Indian Aluminum major concerning the construction of a captive power plant.
- SIAC arbitration arising from a Shareholders Agreement between a Mauritius-based investment fund and an Indian construction major.
- LCIA arbitration between an Indian pharmaceutical major and an Italy-linked global biopharmaceutical company concerning the breach of an exclusive distribution agreement.
- Acted for a Singaporean commodity trading major in a SIAC arbitration against an Indonesian mining company.
- Two consolidated ad hoc arbitrations between a Singapore-based trading company and an Indian manufacturer and supplier of furnace consumables.
- Two consolidated ad hoc arbitrations between the Indian subsidiary of a leading Canadian construction consulting company and an Indian infrastructure company concerning a contract for consultancy services.
- Ad hoc arbitration between a leading real estate developer and an Australian construction major.
- Ad hoc arbitration between a multinational shipping corporation and an Indian public sector undertaking on termination of a shipping contract.
- LCIA arbitration concerning a supply contract between a German and an Indian company.
- Ad hoc arbitration between a leading Indian marketing and events company and a US-linked entity.
- Advised an international oil and gas exploration company on Indian law issues and the interpretation of a Production Sharing Agreement in enforcement proceedings before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
- Advised a major financial institution on issues of Indian commercial laws in proceedings before the High Court of England and Wales.
- Advised a leading Indian multi-format retailer on issues of Indian law in a SIAC arbitration with the world’s leading technology and e-commerce company.
- Advised a state-owned entity concerning the enforcement of an arbitral award in a European State.
- Advised a leading manganese ore trader with mining interests in Africa against a leading Hong Kong-based commodities trader concerning the enforcement of a SIAC award.
- Advised a global technology consulting and digital solutions company in the enforcement of an ICC award seated in DIFC against a UAE-based EPC contractor.
- Advised the Director of a Singapore-based technology company in setting aside proceedings concerning a post-M&A dispute under Singapore Law.
Asset Recovery, Enforcement, Global Investigations & White-Collar Crime
Vipul leads sophisticated asset recovery operations targeting fraudulent transfers and financial misconduct across international borders. His practice focuses on securing emergency freezing orders, tracing hidden assets through complex corporate structures, and coordinating with forensic accountants and international investigators to recover substantial sums for defrauded clients. He represents corporations and individuals in regulatory investigations involving financial crimes, working closely with enforcement agencies while managing compliance risks and implementing robust defense strategies against money laundering, bribery & corruption, and fraud allegations.
Notable Work
- Acted in landmark sovereign asset recovery litigation for a G7 state, advising on complex cross-border investigation, enforcement, and recovery measures across multiple jurisdictions.
- Acted for a key accused in a high-profile money laundering and illegal betting case linked to an online platform, involving alleged transactions exceeding USD 720 million, in proceedings before multiple forums including the Supreme Court of India.
- Acted as special counsel to a court-appointed High Powered Committee led by a former judge of the Supreme Court of India to investigate a significant case of real estate fraud affecting thousands of investors.
- Acted for a former C-suite executive in bail proceedings before the Supreme Court of India arising from a multi-billion-dollar financial crime investigation.
- Acted for a prominent land aggregator in multiple proceedings, including before the Supreme Court of India, in connection with money laundering allegations linked to India’s largest spot exchange scam.
- Acted for the President of one of India’s most prominent residential welfare societies in politically sensitive proceedings before the High Court and the Supreme Court of India involving allegations of large-scale real estate fraud.
- Acted for a Dominican high-net-worth individual in anticipatory bail proceedings before the Supreme Court of India involving allegations of cross-border cyber and crypto fraud spanning the United States and India.
- Acted for a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced engineering machinery in multijurisdictional fraud investigations.
- Acted for a leading Indian financial services group in an internal inquiry into alleged financial misconduct and violations of foreign exchange laws.
- Acted for an Indian public sector bank in appellate proceedings concerning attachment of mortgaged properties as alleged proceeds of crime under India’s anti-money laundering laws.
- Acted for C-suite executives of a leading Indian commodities trading company in CBI proceedings involving alleged bribery and corruption.
- Advised a prominent individual facing charges of corruption and money laundering in a significant scam in India relating to medical examinations, and recruitment.
- Advised a prominent UAE-based entrepreneur with interests in finance and manufacturing in criminal proceedings arising from an alleged wilful default on a loan facility in India.
- Acted for aggrieved investors against a prominent real estate developer in a multi-million-dollar investment fraud case involving allegations of fraud and cheating.
- Acted for a C-Suite executive of a Canada and UK-linked Indian financial services company concerning an internal inquiry relating to allegations of professional misconduct and conflict of interest.
- Acted for a leading real estate lender in an internal inquiry against a C-suite executive involving alleged corruption and breach of the code of conduct.
- Acted for the directors and guarantors of a leading food manufacturer in a criminal investigation into alleged fraudulent misappropriation of a finance facility.
Corporate Advisory, Governance & Compliance
Vipul serves as strategic counsel to boards and senior executives navigating complex governance challenges, regulatory investigations, and compliance crises. His advisory practice emphasizes practical solutions for cross-border business structures, regulatory disclosure dilemmas, and stakeholder conflicts that threaten corporate stability. He specializes in designing crisis management protocols that protect both legal interests and business relationships during periods of regulatory scrutiny or internal governance disputes.
Notable Work
- Advised the promoters of a leading Middle Eastern luxury goods manufacturer in disputes over a Family Business Governance Agreement and the division of multi-billion-dollar group assets worldwide.
- Advised a consortium of hospitality investors on an USD 800 million bid to acquire an iconic New York City hotel property from India-based owners.
- Acted for a religious trust in a dispute over breach of contract by a leading Indian construction and engineering company concerning the construction of the world’s tallest religious skyscraper.
- Advised on the acquisition of a controlling stake in a leading Indian development bank by a state-owned entity.
- Advised one of the world’s leading EPC contractors on liquidated damages under a turnkey contract for a supercritical thermal power plant.
- Advised a leading Indian telecom company on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Adjusted Gross Revenue and its impact on licence fees and spectrum usage charges.
- Acted for India’s largest international airport in matters relating to the online sale of duty-free liquor and the interpretation of applicable laws.
- Acted for one of the busiest airports in India in a significant commercial dispute with airline operators.
- Advised India’s leading construction company on termination and force majeure provisions in a major metro construction contract.
- Advised a Special Purpose Vehicle formed by two major Indian business groups for a road development project in a commercial dispute with the state over the concession agreement and toll revenue sharing.
- Acted for a leading North India based real estate developer in proceedings before courts and tribunals concerning the sale and auction of a high-value commercial property in central Delhi.
- Advised a leading Delhi NCR–based real estate developer on a complex asset swap with another major developer involving a large township project.
- Acted for India’s leading battery manufacturer in proceedings before the commercial court and the High Court concerning invocation of a bank guarantee.
- Advised a South African entity on acquiring a majority stake in the Indian subsidiary of a leading construction and engineering company involved in a major infrastructure project.
- Advised an Indian company on the acquisition of a South African entity’s controlling stake in a prominent Indian beverage company.
- Advised an Indian business enterprise on the acquisition of industrial assets in the United Kingdom.
- Advised the Director of a leading Indian luxury hotel group in proceedings involving allegations of oppression and mismanagement.
- Advised a global audit firm on its responsibility to report fraud under Indian company law and related issues of professional liability.
- Advised a leading Indian housing finance company on disclosure obligations for listed entities under the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
- Advised a South Africa-linked green technology company on the development of two sustainable township projects in Northeast India.
- Acted for an agri-tech company in relation to a large-scale commercial plantation project in Northeast India.
Debt Recovery, Insolvency and Restructuring
Vipul represents major creditors and distressed companies in large-scale insolvency proceedings, focusing on maximizing recoveries through strategic creditor coordination and innovative restructuring solutions. His approach combines aggressive debt recovery tactics with collaborative restructuring strategies, often involving complex multi-party negotiations and cross-border asset coordination. He has particular expertise in cases involving personal guarantee enforcement, preference payment challenges, and resolution plan implementation for companies with significant international operations.
Notable Work
- Advised the world’s leading integrated steel and mining company concerning its USD 5 billion acquisition bid of a debt-laden company undergoing insolvency.
- Advised a Petrochemical major on issues pertaining to debts and non-performing assets amounting to USD 750 million.
- Acted for a major real estate developer before the Debt Recovery Tribunal in Mumbai in relation to a prominent land parcel in central Delhi valued at over USD 150 million.
- Advised a leading asset reconstruction company on various issues concerning debt enforcement and corporate insolvency, including proceedings before the Supreme Court of India.
- Advised the resolution professional of an infrastructure major in India undergoing corporate insolvency concerning the admission of claims by creditors.
- Acted for a leading housing bank concerning enforcement of a financial debt before the National Company Law Tribunal.
Public Law & Policy
Vipul handles constitutional challenges and administrative law disputes involving government policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and public authority decision-making. His practice includes representing corporations in landmark cases before the Supreme Court challenging regulatory frameworks, defending against government investigations, and advising on strategic responses to policy changes that impact business operations. He combines litigation expertise with policy analysis to help clients influence regulatory developments while managing immediate compliance obligations.
Notable Work
- Acted for aggrieved landowners in a multi-billion-dollar eminent domain dispute before the Supreme Court of India concerning a prominent land parcel in Mumbai.
- Advised on legal and policy issues relating to the Mid-Day Meal Scheme under the National Food Security Act, including successful representation on behalf of a leading non-profit before government authorities on policy issues impacting over two million school-going children in India.
- Acted for a foreign national before the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India in enforcement proceedings concerning a guardianship and custody order of the Superior Court of California, raising significant issues of private international law and Indian law.
- Acted for a public charitable trust operating the world’s largest free school lunch programme in matters concerning government contracts before the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India.
- Acted for the leading not-for-profit foundations before the Chief Justice’s Bench of the Delhi High Court in suo-moto proceedings concerning food supply to night shelters in Delhi.
- Acted for a leading higher education institution in Northeast India before the Supreme Court of India in proceedings relating to approval by the National Council for Teacher Education to conduct teacher training courses.
- Acted for a senior bureaucrat before the Supreme Court of India in proceedings challenging mala fide transfer orders.
- Acted for senior government officials before the Supreme Court of India in proceedings concerning promotion and arbitrary state action.
- Acted in a petition for special leave to appeal before the Supreme Court of India challenging a High Court decision on the administrative side concerning court staff.
Defamation And Reputation Management
Vipul manages high-profile defamation cases and reputation crises for corporate leaders, public figures, and institutional clients facing media scrutiny or online attacks. His approach integrates legal remedies with strategic communications, coordinating defamation proceedings alongside broader reputation rehabilitation efforts. He specializes in cases involving digital platforms, social media disputes, and complex multi-party defamation scenarios that require careful balance between legal action and public relations considerations.
Notable Work
- Acted for one of the world’s largest business conglomerates in multiple cases of civil and criminal defamation against various Indian and global media outlets and persons concerning allegedly defamatory and factually incorrect publications.
- Acted for one of the world’s largest non-profit organizations and its office bearers in civil and criminal defamation proceedings in India.
- Acted for a leading global advanced industrial machinery manufacturer against a UK publication concerning defamatory content.
- Acted for a former C-suite executive in criminal defamation proceedings against a leading Indian financial services company.
Bar Admission & Professional Memberships
- Advocate - Bar Council of India
- Member – Supreme Court Bar Association
- Member - Delhi High Court Bar Association
- Member - Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK
- Member - International Bar Association (Asia Pacific Regional Forum, Forum for Barristers and Advocates, Pro Bono Committee)
Education
- Dual bachelor’s degree in law & humanities
- CIArb, UK Accelerated Route to Membership (MCIArb Grade)