Opportunities for Indian and UK firms to work together will increase as a result of the Indian elections, the Law Society has said ahead of it UK-India legal practice conference.

The event, which takes place from 1-5 June, will link up visiting Indian law firms of all sizes with UK firms, to develop co-operation between the two countries.

The programme will feature a conference and matchmaking session in London, a seminar on opportunities outside capital cities, a dinner in Manchester and a seminar on Islamic finance in Birmingham. Speakers at the flagship London event will include Lord Bach, the minister of justice, and Rajendra Raghuvanshi, member of the Bar Council of India and additional solicitor general of India.

Law Society head of international Alison Hook, said: ‘It is no secret that UK firms will benefit from closer working with their Indian counterparts, as the Indian economy provides many opportunities for UK companies. However, it is a two-way street and the visiting Indian firms may well find new opportunities to bring to their clients’ attention as a result of networking more closely with their UK counterparts.’

Although the Indian legal market remains closed to overseas practices, the Law Society has been working to encourage the Indian government, the Indian bar and Indian lawyers to see the multiple benefits that can arise from a ‘two-way street’.

Hook added: ‘We think that the recent Indian election result is an encouraging sign for legal services in India. The new Congress government looks set not only to continue but even to accelerate its economic reform efforts, and this can only benefit lawyers. The positive outlook for the Indian economy will only encourage more overseas interest in India, and that is all the more reason why Indian and UK lawyers need to work together.’