About the Division
The Research Division forms the intellectual backbone of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), reflecting the Institute’s long-standing commitment to integrating rigorous research with professional training and policy engagement. Since its inception, the Division has played a pivotal role in advancing IIFT’s mandate of generating high-quality, evidence-based insights that strengthen India’s trade policy ecosystem and enhance global business competitiveness.
Over the decades, the Division has produced more than 700 research studies and surveys, building deep expertise in analysing international markets, trade dynamics, and strategic facets of global business. Its research capabilities extend across independent projects as well as sponsored assignments commissioned by a wide range of stakeholders, including:
Government bodies
at both Central and State levels, along with Indian Missions abroad
International organisations
such as the WTO, World Bank, ITC, UNCTAD, FAO, ESCAP, and the German Development Institute
Public Sector Undertakings
including RBI, MMTC, STC, and various State Industrial Corporations
Global development and consulting organisations
such as DFID, PwC, IPE Global, and the Global Development Network
Research Portfolio
The Division’s current research spectrum spans both policy and industry-focused themes, including:
Trade Policy Research: WTO issues, preferential and bilateral trade agreements, regional integration, India’s Foreign Trade Policy, export–import management, and global supply chain logistics
Functional & Applied Research: Sectoral competitiveness, corporate strategy, market entry, sustainability, and digital trade
Survey-Based Research:Exporter surveys, competitiveness assessments, MSME-focused studies
Trade Database Development:Creating robust, analytically rich trade databases to support research and policymaking
Purpose and Policy Impact
The Research Division’s work supports India’s trade and economic agenda by:
Strengthening India’s position in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations
Identifying export potential and emerging market opportunities
Supporting trade facilitation through evidence-based insights
Developing strategies for promoting international business across sectors
Assessing the impact of key government policies and schemes on trade and industry

Research Head Message
Dr. Pooja Lakhanpal
I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to our corporate partners. Your unwavering support and confidence in our institution are vital to our mission, and we remain committed to delivering results that exceed your expectations.
At IIFT, we offer flagship programs — MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) — that are both comprehensive and dynamic. With campuses in Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada, and GIFT City, IIFT brings together a diverse and talented pool of students and faculty, fostering a rich academic and cultural environment. Our curriculum is crafted by leveraging the Institute’s extensive knowledge base, cutting-edge research, and technical expertise, enriched further by insights from our collaborations with industry leaders. This ensures that our students are equipped with the skills, agility, and global mindset required to excel in an ever-evolving marketplace.
We take pride in the fact that our students are nurtured through a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world exposure. They are trained not only by our dedicated faculty but also by industry mentors and distinguished alumni, ensuring holistic professional grooming. Education at IIFT goes far beyond the classroom — port visits, industry engagements, international exchange programs, guest lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects provide experiential learning that sharpens both competence and confidence.
The vibrant initiatives undertaken by our students reflect their drive for excellence and innovation. Their active participation in competitions, live projects, and social impact initiatives prepares them to lead with vision, integrity, and adaptability.
As we move forward, I warmly invite our corporate partners to explore new avenues of engagement with IIFT. Together, we can continue to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering a future where education, innovation, and professional excellence thrive side by side.
Dr. Pooja Lakhanpal
Explore the Division Programme
Connect with Us
Mrs. Kavita Sharma
Section Officer
- 011-39147200 (418/426)
- research@iift.edu; soresearch@iift.ac.in
