IIFT inaugurates Global Business Research Conference 2026; focuses on AI, trade and geopolitical challenges

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) inaugurated the Global Business Research Conference (GBRC) 2026 at its Delhi campus on June 4. The two-day conference is being held on the theme, “Managing Business Amidst Worldwide Turbulence”, and has brought together academicians, policymakers, researchers, management educators and industry experts from India and other countries.

The conference was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada. Speaking at the event, he said that India continues to be one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite global challenges and uncertainties.

Prasada said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has followed a long-term plan to strengthen trade, manufacturing, innovation, and technology.

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The minister highlighted India's progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and international trade partnerships. He said these achievements show India's growing importance in the global economy. He also praised IIFT for contributing to research, preparing future business leaders, and helping India strengthen its connections with global markets.

Prasada said the discussions at the Global Business Research Conference would provide useful ideas and suggestions that could help shape policies and support India's economic growth.

IIFT on trade, AI, competitiveness

Speaking at the event, IIFT vice-chancellor Rakesh Mohan Joshi said that global business is changing due to geopolitical events, shifts in trade patterns, and rapid technological changes.

“The global business landscape is changing due to geopolitical developments, shifting trade patterns, and technological advancements such as artificial intelligence. As countries work to strengthen their economies and expand international partnerships, research and evidence-based policy inputs have become increasingly important,” Joshi said.

He added that through GBRC 2026, IIFT aims to promote meaningful discussions among researchers, policymakers, and academic leaders on important issues related to global trade and business competitiveness.

The conference includes Directors' Conclaves on topics such as internationalisation of business schools, the use of artificial intelligence in management education, teaching methods in a changing global environment, and innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education.

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Academic leaders participate

The conference has seen participation from several leading higher education institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Management ( IIMs ), Indian Institute of Technology ( IIT Bombay ), Indian School of Business ( ISB ), Management Development Institute ( MDI Gurgaon ), BIMTECH, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Delhi School of Economics, IILM University and Jindal Global Business School.

Vice-chancellors, directors, deans, and other senior academic administrators from institutions across the country are attending the event.

Research papers are being presented on topics such as finance, marketing, strategy, global trade, operations, supply chain management, information technology, analytics, public policy, and governance.

A special session on “BRICS Amid Geopolitical Turbulence in a Multipolar World” will also be held during the conference. The session will discuss the role of BRICS countries in shaping the global economy and international trade system.

The conference also includes a Doctoral Colloquium, where research scholars can interact with senior academics and subject experts.

GBRC 2026 will conclude on June 5 with a closing session, presentation of the conference report, and awards for outstanding research work, including best paper, best poster presentation, and best doctoral colloquium paper.