Baker Botts secured a significant appellate victory for Devas Multimedia Private Ltd. in its continuing effort to enforce an international arbitral award now valued at more than $2 billion against Antrix Corporation Ltd., a company wholly owned by India.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed confirmation of the award, resolving three significant questions that remained following Devas' 2025 Supreme Court victory. The decision follows Baker Botts’ 2025 victory for Devas before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The dispute arose from Antrix’s termination of a 2005 agreement to lease S-band satellite spectrum to Devas. An International Chamber of Commerce tribunal subsequently awarded Devas $562.5 million. With accrued interest, the award is now worth more than $2 billion.

In a question of first impression for the Ninth Circuit, the court held that forum non conveniens does not apply to actions seeking confirmation of foreign arbitral awards under the New York Convention. The panel also upheld jurisdiction under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and the Fifth Amendment.

The ruling strengthens the framework for enforcing international arbitral awards in U.S. courts and reflects Baker Botts’ ability to guide clients through disputes of exceptional financial, sovereign and cross-border significance.

Litigation Partners Aaron Streett and Vern Cassin along with Senior Associate Christopher Tutunjian led the team that secured a precedent-setting Ninth Circuit victory for Devas Multimedia.

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