IIFT Launches Training Program to Build Trade Negotiation Capacity of Commerce Officials
SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
On 29 September 2025, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) inaugurated its International Trade Negotiations Program for officials of the Department of Commerce (DoC) through its Centre for International Negotiations (CIN). The program aims to enhance India’s institutional capacity in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations by providing structured training modules delivered by subject experts.
IIFT Vice Chancellor highlighted the institute’s growth-placements crossing ₹1.23 crore, new campuses at Kakinada and GIFT City, and approvals for a Dubai campus by Indian ministries, UGC and Dubai authorities. He also noted that IIFT is developing 30 case studies on bilateral trade and FTAs, with lessons from landmark deals like the India–UK FTA and CETA. Program Director said the initiative reflects the Commerce Secretary’s vision of equipping officials with practical tools to navigate complex trade scenarios.
This programme is a step in strengthening India’s trade diplomacy capacity, ensuring officials are trained in technical, legal, and strategic aspects of negotiations. It aligns with India’s ongoing FTA engagements (EFTA, UK, Eurasia, etc.) and contributes to building long-term expertise within the bureaucracy, reducing dependence on external consultants.
What is IIFT?
→ The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is India’s premier institution for research, training, and policy support in trade and international business, with campuses in Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada, GIFT City, and soon Dubai.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
What mechanisms are needed to ensure that knowledge from trained officials is retained within the Department of Commerce despite transfers and cadre rotations?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2172782