Habib Al Mulla & Partners has inaugurated its fifth international office in New Delhi, signaling a strategic investment in the expanding legal services relationship between India and the Gulf, as trade between the two regions continues to rise.
- Habib Al Mulla & Partners establishes its fifth international branch in New Delhi, aiming to leverage the increasing trade between India and the UAE.
- Siddhant Sharma has been appointed to oversee operations in India, bringing a wealth of legal experience.
- The firm is focusing on opportunities in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy while providing advisory services under new legal frameworks.
The Dubai-based firm, which has other offices in Istanbul, Moscow, and Baghdad, has appointed Siddhant Sharma to lead its Indian operations. Sharma is a veteran of the Supreme Court and has substantial experience from his past roles in the dispute resolution departments at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Khaitan & Co, combining knowledge of the Indian legal system with expertise in international commercial law.
Trade between India and the UAE reached $85 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, bolstered by a comprehensive economic partnership agreement established in 2022 that has opened new channels for investment and legal structuring. Industry analysts indicate that Indian companies are increasingly viewing the UAE as a launchpad for growth in the Middle East and Africa, while Emirati firms are keenly interested in India’s consumption-driven economy.
“Our expansion into India underscores our dedication to assisting clients wherever their business objectives lie. By bridging India’s dynamic business ecosystem with the legal acumen of Dubai, we provide a reliable platform for international development. We are eager to strengthen our collaborations in India and offer top-tier solutions to both new and existing clients,” stated Habib Al Mulla, the firm’s founder.
The office in Delhi has obtained a consultancy license in anticipation of new regulations that took effect last week, which allow foreign legal advisory services to enter the Indian market. This development aligns with the strategies of other global firms recalibrating their presence in India due to recent regulatory shifts. Unlike full-service international firms facing limitations on local legal practice, Habib Al Mulla & Partners operates under a consultancy model, enabling it to concentrate on advisory roles while teaming up with Indian firms for domestic legal issues.
Habib Al Mulla & Partners’ growth strategy appears to be strategically designed to cater to emerging markets with robust business connections to the UAE. In addition to traditional finance and energy sectors, the firm is also looking for opportunities in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy, where mutual interests between India and the UAE are growing.