London: Is the Indian legal sector about to be opened up to foreign participation? The move has been resisted so far, but indications are that the large Indian legal market could soon be open to foreign companies.

The All India Bar Association (AIBA), which has been in the forefront of opposing the opening of the legal sector to foreign participation, is expected to drop its opposition, according to its chairman, Adish Aggarwala, who visited Birmingham last week.

Lawyers from India who obtained their degrees in India are allowed to practise in Britain after clearing the necessary qualifying examinations here. Foreign legal firms have long been demanding access to the Indian market in line with economic liberalisation.

During the visit to Birmingham, Aggarwala is reported to have confirmed that the AIBA would be dropping its long-standing opposition to foreign firms in India.  Aggarwala said he had been swayed by assurances from the legal establishment.

The two-day visit, arranged by the Law Society and hosted by Birmingham Law Society, included a reception at Birmingham City Council and visits to local law firms HBJ Gateley Wareing and Martineau Johnson. The stop-over was part of a four-day programme organised by the Law Society, which included visits to law firms, the courts and a meeting with Britain's Legal Affairs Minister, Baroness Ashton.

Sukdev Bhomra, vice president of Birmingham Law Society who spent a day with the AIBA delegation, said: "Mr Aggarwala has had a personal track record of leading national protests against foreign law firms.  However, he claimed Britain's open-door policy on Indian lawyers here has persuaded him to make a U-turn.

"There is still a long way to go. AIBA are seeking safeguards, and reciprocal arrangements for their own nationals, including UK work visas for Indian lawyers, but we are convinced the door is ajar.

"For Birmingham's larger firms who are seeking to complete transactions in India this is excellent news," he said.