Indian contract law, mainly the Indian Contract Act 1872, applies to deals with Indian parties unless the contract picks a different law. A Lao judgment cannot be executed directly in India, but an arbitration award can, because both countries are New York Convention parties. An arbitration clause seated in Singapore, Bangkok or India is usually the best protection.
- Document route
- Lao notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian Embassy attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 1h30 behind Laos all year
- Core law
- Indian Contract Act 1872
- Foreign awards
- Part II, Arbitration Act 1996
Commercial Contracts from Laos: how it works
We draft and review supply, distribution, construction and services agreements, focusing on payment security, quality, delivery, delays and dispute resolution.
When a dispute arises, we advise on notices, negotiation, mediation and arbitration, and on enforcing awards in India.
For hydropower and mining projects, we review subcontracts with Indian engineering firms for performance guarantees, delay damages and the allocation of risks such as flooding and access roads.
We also flag that Laos is a New York Convention country, so an award seated in Singapore or Bangkok can be enforced both in India and in Laos.
What clients in Laos should know
- Use letters of credit with new partners.
- Choose a seat and an institution, not just the word arbitration.
- Stamp the contract in India if it will be relied on there.
Step by step from Laos
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Laos, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Laos
Lao notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalisation, then Indian Embassy attestation
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Laos where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Laos. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Commercial Contracts, or see all services for clients in Laos and the Doing Business in India practice area.
Questions from clients in Laos
Should we choose arbitration?
Yes, it is usually the most enforceable option.
Can you review our Indian partner's terms?
Yes, and we explain the risky clauses.
Does the contract need stamping in India?
If it will be relied on in India, yes.
Can an award be enforced in Laos as well?
Generally yes, since Laos is a New York Convention country.