Personal jurisdiction exists under the FSIA when an immunity exception applies and service is proper

CC/Devas v. Antrix Corp.

The US Supreme Court has clarified the requirements for establishing personal jurisdiction over foreign states under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA). The legal dispute originated from a breached satellite-leasing contract between an Indian government-owned entity and a private company, leading to a massive arbitration award that the petitioners sought to enforce in American courts. While the Ninth Circuit initially ruled that a "minimum contacts" analysis was necessary to assert jurisdiction, the Supreme Court reversed this decision. Writing for a unanimous Court, Justice Alito explained that personal jurisdiction is automatically established once a statutory immunity exception is met and proper service is completed. The Court emphasized that judges cannot impose additional due process requirements that are not found within the explicit text of the FSIA. This ruling reinforces the comprehensive framework of the Act, ensuring that jurisdiction remains strictly tied to the specific exceptions defined by Congress.

[US Supreme Court,  605 U. S. ____ (2025)]