AZB & Partners is a name to note in the projects and energy space, advising clients across the entire lifecycle of a project, from financing and development right through to disputes work. In Mumbai co-founder Bahram Vakil leads the group, handling financings and foreign investments, alongside Qais Jamal, who advises on corporate and commercial transactions in the infrastructure space, and Aditya Periwal, who specialises in corporate transactions, particularly mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. Anuja Tiwari, who deals with project development and PPPs within the conventional and renewable energy spaces, and Mallika Anand, whose wide practice encompasses all aspects of project development and operation within the energy, utilities and public infrastructure sectors, steer the group from the Delhi office. The Mumbai-based Atreya Bhattacharya is also recommended, offering clients expertise in corporate transactions, namely mergers, acquisitions and buyouts.

Banks and financial institutions, project sponsors and developers, government bodies and multilateral institutions turn to the team at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas for its experience handling the gamut of infrastructure and energy mandates, including mining, solar, green hydrogen, battery storage, airports and roads, among others. In Mumbai, Cyril Shroff deals predominantly with corporate and disputes law, while L Viswanathan is sought out for his advice on the regulatory aspects of energy projects and Santosh Janakiram handles banking and project financing, advising developers, investors and lenders, with a special focus on the renewables space. Over in Delhi, Ajay Sawhney is well known for advising on the construction and development side of domestic and international projects, while Ramanuj Kumar is known by clients including financial institutions for his navigation of electricity regulation and project financing. Atman Desai joined Khaitan & Co. in 2023.

Clients report that Dentons Link Legal provides ‘very thorough advice which solves the problem at hand as well as covers future eventualities.’ With a roster including energy companies, developers and financial institutions, the practice has the capacity to provide end-to-end guidance on complex road, rail, airport and port infrastructure projects in addition to conventional and non-conventional energy transactions. Co-leading the practice are founder Atul Sharma; Anand Srivastava, who oversees a variety of contractual issues in projects including energy and transport developments; and Milind Jha, who specialises in the aviation sector while also covering energy M&A. Parul Verma joined the team in April 2024, while Swapnil Sant arrived in May 2024.

Government bodies, developers, public sector clients, contractors and lenders turn to JSA Law for its expert handling of the full scope of oil and gas, mining and metals, power, highways and telecoms projects. In New Delhi, Amit Kapur is known for his adept handling of disputes and regulatory issues related to the energy and transport spaces. Over in Gurugram, Venkatesh Raman Prasad regularly assists with domestic and cross-border investments, with a special focus on energy projects, while Vishnu Sudarsan deals with project development, litigation, and domestic and cross-border M&A. The deep bench also fields the New Delhi-based Anupam Verma, who handles disputes before various courts and tribunals.

Khaitan & Co LLP has wide experience in M&A and financing for energy projects, regularly advising on coal-based power plants as well as renewable energy developments. NCR-based Dibyanshu co-heads the practice and oversees energy mandates including joint ventures, acquistions and procurement. Also overseeing the practice from Mumbai are energy financing specialist Gahan Singh; Akhil Bhatnagar, who handles infrastructure investments and oil and gas project development; and Shivanshu Thaplyal, who covers the transport, power and mining sectors. Fellow practice co-heads are Shivanshu Thaplyal, who undertakes acquisitions from Bengaluru, and Atman Desai, who joined the Ahmedabad team from Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

The team at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co handles a spread of matters related to project financing, development and investment across India and, with a broad offering that covers policy, transactional and regulatory work, attracts an impressive client base comprised of government bodies, financial institutions, public sector clients, and developers and contractors. The deep bench includes Delhi-based Jatin Aneja, who navigates project finance and corporate transactions, V.R. Neelakantan, who advises on corporate transactions and PPPs in the oil and gas sector, and Anurag Dwivedi, who deals with project financing and debt capital market transactions within the infrastructure space. Other key practitioners include Mumbai’s Deepto Roy, whose expertise spans the renewables, oil and gas, and mining spheres, and Kushal Sinha, of the Delhi office, who is well versed in dealing with M&A, joint ventures and investments within the energy and infrastructure sectors.

The projects and energy group at Trilegal is well versed in handling M&A, regulatory compliance, project finance and development, in addition to PPPs. Neeraj Menon leads from the Mumbai office, offering clients advice on mandates within the energy, infrastructure and mining sectors. In Gurugram, Saurabh Bhasin assists clients with a full spread of matters relating to public and social infrastructure, as well as power projects, while Astha Srivastava offers advice on PPAs and power procurement arrangements for domestic and international clients alike, and Nayantara Nag handles the corporate side of oil and gas, renewable and infrastructure projects. Amar Narula, of the New Delhi office, stands out for his in-depth knowledge of the renewables space, and is experienced in solar, wind and energy storage.

The team at DSK Legal is sought after by government entities, private companies and lenders, in particular, for its wide expertise, which covers regulation, M&A, project development, financing and investments, as well as litigation and arbitration. Anjan Dasgupta and Ajay Shaw co-chair the group from the Mumbai office, with Dasgupta handling project financing and development in the conventional and green energy spaces, and Shaw dealing with acquisitions, financings and investments. Dinesh Pardasani also co-leads the practice from New Delhi, offering clients assistance with projects and disputes arising within the infrastructure and utilities spaces, and is supported by Samir Malik, who expertly handles litigation and client defence before various courts, tribunals and regulatory bodies. In Mumbai, Avinash Khard and Ashish Pahariya are also recommended.

With expertise that spans the entire project lifecycle, Economic Laws Practice is a top choice for clients seeking aid with construction, investment, finance and disputes, particularly within the energy, infrastructure and hospitality spaces. Sujjain Talwar steers the practice, offering assistance with national and international infrastructure projects, particularly within the transport and utilities sectors. Megha Agarwal supports clients with a wide spread of hospitality and infrastructure matters, including PPAs and concession agreements. All practitioners mentioned are based in Mumbai. Aakanksha Joshi departed for S&R Associates in July 2024.

The energy, infrastructure and natural resources team at IndusLaw is a first point of contact for clients seeking assistance with projects relating to the renewable energy, oil and gas, waste management and transport spaces for its ability to handle the full scope of projects work – from project development and investments, right through to disputes. The practice is co-chaired by Arun Kumar, who splits his time between Delhi and NCR and handles the corporate side of urban infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and Deepak Chowdhury, who co-leads from Hyderabad and deals with the contractual and regulatory sides of infrastructure projects. Over in New Delhi Shashwat Kumar is also recommended, known by clients within the energy sector for his regulatory and disputes work.

Spice Route Legal is a key player in the projects and energy space, with a special focus on green hydrogen, solar and smart meter projects across India. The Mumbai office is home to practice head Praveen Raju, who offers clients a wealth of experience in traditional energy, renewables and new technology relating to the energy transition, as well as Janhavi Joshi, who is well versed in handling corporate and commercial transactions for global clients within the energy and mobility spheres, and newly appointed partner Karthik Somasundram from Bharucha & Partners, who brings with him in-depth knowledge of dispute resolution within the energy space. The recent hire of senior associate Amoolya Khurana from AZB & Partners over in Delhi adds further weight to the firm's M&A and project development offering.

With expertise that spans project structuring, legal due diligence, regulatory compliance and disputes, the team at Archeus Law is regularly called upon to assist with a wide spread of real estate and public infrastructure mandates. The team is jointly led by Ranjit Prakash, who is renowned for his international arbitration experience; Arun Mani, who specialises in infrastructure deals, particularly those related to high-profile power, metro and highway projects; and Anshuman Pande, who is well versed in resolving disputes within the energy, infrastructure and construction sectors.

With offices across Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi, energy and infrastructure specialist Argus Partners assists its clients, which span both the public and private sector, with the gamut of projects work, handling a wide range of corporate, due diligence, disputes and regulatory matters. The practice is co-chaired by Krishnava Dutt of the Mumbai office and Rachika Sahay in Delhi, with the former handling corporate, finance and insolvency issues and the latter dealing with public infrastructure and energy deals, particularly those relating to power, oil and gas, and mining projects.

Clients praise BRUS CHAMBERS, Advocates & Solicitors for its ‘ability to transform complex legal challenges into a clear, actionable roadmap’ and ‘commitment to prompt and efficient service’, which make it a ‘paragon of excellence’. The team is led from the Mumbai office by five core partners: Shrikant Hathi, expert in infrastructure, oil and gas, and mining deals; Uttam Hathi, experienced corporate lawyer; Pritish Das, who is well versed in dealing with international arbitration; Joni Oraon, who handles regulatory compliance; and Suhail Farooqui, who deals with disputes.

Fox Mandal & Associates is a name to note in the infrastructure and energy spaces, acting for government bodies, banks, concessionaires, contractors and consultants on a wide range of infrastructure assets such as roads, metros, highways, utilities and power transmission projects. The team is also a specialist in energy, clean tech and renewables, with a recent uptick in wind and solar. The group is co-chaired by Chandrasekaran Ramanathan, expert in the transport, ports and power transmission sectors, and Jeevanandham Rajagopal, corporate and commercial lawyer with expertise in the energy, renewables and tech spheres, both of whom are based in Chennai. Fellow co-chair Prashantha Kumar, who is based in Bangalore, adds further weight to the firm's infrastructure offering.

Gagrats is well known for its expertise in power projects on a national and international basis, handling IPPs and co-generation projects as well as solar, wind and nuclear projects. On the infrastructure side, the firm leverages its expertise to advise leading corporates in the engineering and infrastructure space on business agreements and joint ventures. The team is jointly led by Krunal Gadhia, a first point of contact for clients seeking aid with infrastructure and real estate projects, and Rustam J Gagrat and Uma Nagarajan, who are both known for their wide practice which spans the gamut of renewables, nuclear, oil and gas, and aviation projects. All practitioners mentioned are based in Mumbai.

A trusted adviser to financial institutions, infrastructure developers and public sector clients, Legacy Law Offices offers clients its experience in energy, renewables and infrastructure projects. The deep bench fields Gagan Anand, based in Delhi, who works with national and international banks on solar power financings, PPP contracts and infrastructure developments; Shalini Munjal, operating from Chandigarh, who is recommended for her ecotourism expertise; and Amarendra Gogoi, also of the Chandigarh office, whose wide practice spans the breadth of infrastructure, renewable energy and real estate matters.

With wide experience that spans the power, renewables, transport, infrastructure and mining sectors, Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India secures itself an impressive client base of regulatory bodies, banks, contractors, project developers, investors, public and private sector clients, and government entities. Deepak Kumar Thakur is well known for his in-depth knowledge of M&A, construction, development and operations work related to projects, particularly within the renewables sector, while Karan Mitroo specialises in financing, investments and restructurings in the infrastructure, transport and power spaces. Girish Rawat is also recommended for his involvement in high-profile banking, finance and restructuring deals regarding real estate, hospitality and projects. All recommended practitioners are based in Delhi.

The team at Phoenix Legal excels across the full spectrum of matters in the projects and infrastructure space, offering clients aid with mandates related to project development and sale and purchase agreements, as well as regulation and disputes. Abhishek Saxena, whose wide practice encompasses both corporate and transactional mandates, steers the group alongside Pallavi Bedi, who handles the gamut of work relating to energy projects, from investment and financing right through to development and construction, and Saket Shukla, who juggles a blend of regulatory and transactional matters from the office in New Delhi. Delhi-based Ashita Bali also stands out as a key figure in the power space, handling a diverse range of non-conventional and conventional energy work such as liquefied natural gas and solar projects.

S&A Law Offices focuses on contentious work in the projects and energy space, representing clients in arbitration and litigation involving contractual and tender disputes. Sectors covered by the practice include waste management, mining, infrastructure, aviation and solar energy. Manoj Kumar Singh jointly heads the practice from New Delhi and co-leads the bulk of its work in this area, specialising in litigation and ADR in the infrastructure sector. Also in New Delhi are fellow practice heads Vijay Kumar Singh and Nilava Bandyopadhyay, who cover aviation arbitration and mining lease and tender disputes, and Rajdutt Shekhar Singh. Gunita Pahwa co-heads the practice from Gurugram and oversees waste-to-energy and mining arbitration.

The team at Sagus Legal is sought out by a host of impressive clients, such as government bodies, financial institutions, contractors, consultants, utilities and large private sector energy companies, for its adept handling of contentious matters arising within the energy and infrastructure spaces. Practice head Anand Shrivastava specialises in litigation and arbitration within both of these sectors, while Shivam Sinha offers additional support on oil and gas disputes, insolvency and bankruptcy.

Praised for the ‘availability of its partners, depth of its team and understanding of legal issues’, the team at Samvad Partners leverages its expertise in the infrastructure space, handling the full scope of matters within the power, renewable energy, oil and gas, telecommunications and public infrastructure sectors. Vineetha MG stands at the helm in Mumbai, assisting lenders, project sponsors, equipment suppliers, infrastructure funds and export credit agencies with project and corporate finance, on a national and international basis.

With deep expertise advising on energy law, infrastructure finance and transport matters, Sarthak Advocates & Solicitors attracts a wide spread of project sponsors, developers, contractors, banks, governments and other public bodies seeking assistance with matters related to domestic and international projects, including document and contract drafting, joint ventures, project finance and disputes work. Abhishek Nath Tripathi steers the group and, backed by experience across the infrastructure and energy spaces, is equipped to handle the gamut of mandates for international and national clients; of his most recent workload, his insolvency resolution and corporate debt restructuring work stands out. Mani Gupta and Anubhav Tiwari also stand out for their work in this space. All practitioners mentioned are based in New Delhi.

Public sector bodies, international project developers, landowners, construction companies and financial institutions turn to the team at Singhania & Partners LLP for its ability to handle an array of infrastructure, natural resources and renewables deals. Abhimeet Sinha heads the project finance and infrastructure team, advising clients on regulation, project financings, due diligence and contract negotiation, and Prerna Beri, who specialises in project finance and corporate governance issues. Both are based in New Delhi.

Talwar Thakore & Associates stands out for its specialism in project development and financing, advising governments, sponsors, developers, contractors, lenders and foreign investors on mandates across India. Key contacts within the team include Gautam Saha, who is well versed in handling corporate transactions within the infrastructure and renewables spaces, and Kush Saggi, who has experience within the power sector; both are based in Delhi.