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
Division Head’s Message
Dr. Deepankar Sinha
At IIFT Kolkata, research is more than just an academic endeavour; it is a catalyst between knowledge and action, ideas and impact. Since its foundation, the Institute has been dedicated to producing insights that impact trade policy, empower industry, and strengthen India's participation in the global economy. Moreover, the Research Division at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata campus, aims at establishing a meaningful research ecosystem in Management, Economics and allied areas.
The division is ISO-9001 & ISO-27001 certified, ensuring transparency, quality and standardisation in its approach. Research Division, Kolkata, has successfully completed research projects for the Central & State Governments, corporates, public sector undertakings, and leading bodies, namely, the Directorate General of Shipping. IIFT served as the knowledge partner in G-20, 2023 and acts as an advisor to several free trade agreements (FTAs), signed by the country.
IIFT Kolkata Campus is now globally known to academicians and researchers. It held major conferences, including the Indian Academy of Management (INDAM), Management Doctoral & Researchers’ Colloquium (MDRC), Economic Conclave, Empirical Issues in International Trade & Finance (EIITF), Academy of International Business (AIB), and similar events, inviting academicians and scholars from across the globe.
Research Division has its publications with ISBN and supports a rich library of books, journals and databases. We welcome academicians, policymakers, and business leaders to collaborate with us in furthering India's trade and development objectives.
Dr. Deepankar Sinha
Connect with Us
Mr. Tanmay Roy
Admin In charge - Research Division
Senior Assistant
- 033-35014500/4600 (Extension – 2257)
- sa_researchkol@iift.ac.in
