Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday, 3 May 2025, praised the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) as a premier institution shaping India's global trade and policy landscape, as the institute celebrated its 63rd Foundation Day. In a message shared on social media, Goyal highlighted IIFT's contributions to policy formulation, research, and capacity building in international trade and management.

Government Recognises IIFT's Growing Footprint

Commerce Secretary and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) head Rajesh Agrawal congratulated the institute, noting that IIFT has consistently supported India's global trade ambitions through high-quality education and research. He pointed to the institute's campuses in New Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada, and GIFT City as evidence of its expanding reach and international outlook.

Agrawal added that IIFT continues to nurture future leaders in international business and has undertaken several initiatives in recent years to strengthen its academic and research ecosystem, deepen alumni engagement, and widen its presence across geographies.

Chief Guest Calls for Multilingual Education

Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), Anil Sahasrabudhe, delivered the keynote address as Chief Guest at the Foundation Day event. He emphasised the need for multilingual education to improve accessibility and outreach in higher education. Sahasrabudhe noted that institutions like IIFT are increasingly critical in preparing students to navigate what he described as a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) global business environment.

Key Milestones Highlighted by Vice Chancellor

Vice Chancellor of IIFT, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, outlined the institute's recent achievements, including the organisation of five major academic and research conferences in the past year. He also noted the hosting of IIFT's first-ever Vice-Chancellors' Conclave 2026, which focused on the internationalisation of higher education in India — a timely initiative given the Centre's push to attract foreign universities and expand global academic partnerships.

Prof. Joshi additionally announced the launch of the Pitch Perfect Australia–India Business Compendium under IIFT's Case Research Centre, a publication aimed at promoting research-led innovation and experiential learning among students and practitioners in bilateral trade.

Why This Matters for India's Trade Agenda

IIFT's Foundation Day comes at a pivotal moment for India's trade diplomacy. The country is actively negotiating free trade agreements with multiple partners, including the United Kingdom and the European Union, while seeking to consolidate its position as a global manufacturing and services hub. Institutions like IIFT, which bridge academic research and policy practice, are seen as essential to building the talent pipeline required for these ambitions. Notably, the institute's multi-campus expansion — particularly the GIFT City presence — aligns with the government's broader vision of positioning India as an international financial and trade services centre.

As IIFT enters its 64th year, stakeholders will watch whether its research output and policy engagement translate into measurable influence on India's evolving trade strategy.