Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Jitin Prasada today inaugurated the Global Business Research Conference (GBRC) 2026 at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), a Deemed-to-be University under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
The conference, themed “Managing Business Amidst Worldwide Turbulence”, has brought together eminent academicians, policymakers, management educators, researchers and industry experts from India and abroad to deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities shaping the global business environment.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jitin Prasada said that despite prevailing global uncertainties, India continues to remain one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country has adopted a long-term vision focused on strengthening trade, manufacturing, innovation and technological capabilities.
India's progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and global trade partnerships, he said, reflects its growing role in the international economy. The Minister acknowledged the significant contribution of institutions such as IIFT in generating research-driven insights, developing future business leaders and supporting India's integration with global markets.
He expressed confidence that the deliberations at GBRC 2026 would generate valuable insights and recommendations that could contribute to policymaking and India's economic growth. Vice-Chancellor, IIFT, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi said that the institute has expanded its research footprint and international collaborations while strengthening its position as a centre of excellence in international business education and policy research.
He noted that the Global Business Research Conference reflects IIFT's commitment to fostering rigorous academic inquiry and facilitating meaningful dialogue among scholars, policymakers and institutional leaders on issues shaping global trade, business competitiveness and economic development.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Joshi said that the global business landscape is being reshaped by geopolitical developments, evolving trade dynamics and technological disruptions, particularly artificial intelligence. He emphasized that as countries strengthen economic resilience and expand international partnerships, research and evidence-based policy inputs have become increasingly important.
He added that through GBRC 2026, IIFT seeks to promote meaningful discussions among scholars, policymakers and academic leaders on issues critical to global trade and business competitiveness. The conference features a series of Directors' Conclaves focusing on internationalisation strategies for business schools, the use of artificial intelligence in management education, pedagogy in an evolving geopolitical landscape, and the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education.
The conference has attracted research contributions across key disciplines, including finance, marketing, general management and strategy, global trade and business competitiveness, operations and supply chain management, information technology and analytics, and public policy and governance.
Through multiple technical sessions, researchers are presenting evidence-based insights and policy-relevant findings addressing contemporary business and economic challenges. Among the key sessions scheduled during the conference is a special discussion on “BRICS Amid Geopolitical Turbulence in a Multipolar World”, which will examine the evolving role of BRICS economies in shaping the global economic order and international trade architecture.
The conference also provides a platform for doctoral scholars to engage with senior academics and domain experts through a dedicated Doctoral Colloquium aimed at strengthening research quality and promoting scholarly collaboration.
A major highlight of the conference is the participation of distinguished academic leaders from some of India's premier institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), IIT Bombay, the Indian School of Business (ISB), Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon, BIMTECH, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Delhi School of Economics, IILM University and Jindal Global Business School.
The conference has brought together Vice-Chancellors, Directors, Deans and senior academic leaders from leading institutions across the country. Participants include Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur, Vice-Chancellor, IIMC; Dr. Yashwant Singh Thakur, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya; Prof. Vinita S. Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya; Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH; Prof. Chandan Chowdhury, Executive Director, Punj Lloyd Institute of Infrastructure Management, ISB; Prof. S.V.D. Nageswara Rao, Head, Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, IIT Bombay; Prof. Umakant Dash, Vice-Chancellor, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics; Dr. Ravi Kumar Jain, Vice-Chancellor, IILM University; Prof. Vijita Singh Aggarwal, Director (International Affairs), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University; and Prof. Pawan Kumar Singh, former Director, IIM Tiruchirappalli, among others.
The event will conclude on June 5, 2026, with a valedictory session featuring the presentation of the conference report, addresses by distinguished guests and an award ceremony recognising outstanding research contributions. Awards will be conferred for the best papers across thematic tracks, the overall best paper, the best poster presentation and the best doctoral colloquium paper.
About IIFT
Established in 1963, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is a premier institution under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Recognised as a Deemed to be University, IIFT is engaged in education, research, training and capacity building in the areas of international business, trade and economic policy.
Through its academic programmes, research initiatives and policy engagement, IIFT contributes to strengthening India's global trade and business ecosystem.