CRIT-IIFT Three-Day Orientation Course on Trade Negotiations
The Centre for Research on International Trade (CRIT), New Delhi, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, organized a three-day Orientation Course on Trade Negotiations from September 28 to 30, 2026, in New Delhi. The program aimed to provide participants with an overview of key concepts, institutions, and contemporary issues relating to international trade and trade negotiations.
The academic program was structured across three days with specific focus areas. On the first day, sessions covered "Emerging World Trade Scenario: Challenges & Opportunities and Introduction to Basic Concepts of Trade Theory," "Introduction to WTO," and a panel discussion on WTO issues. The second day featured sessions on "Labour/Environment/Sustainability and Trade," "Legal Analysis & Treaty Interpretation of Trade Agreements," "Trade Analysis/Trade Databases," and "Dispute Settlement." On the third day, participants joined specialized tracks: Track I covered "Trade Remedies," "Rules of Origin," and "Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs)," while Track II covered "Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)," "Digital Trade," and "Services."
The program concluded with a Valedictory Session that included addresses from several officials. Professor & Head, CTIL, with additional charge as Professor & Head, CWS, Dr. James J. Nedumpara delivered the valedictory address. IIFT Vice Chancellor Dr. K. Rangarajan gave the keynote address, and Additional Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Shri Amitabh Kumar, delivered the Special Address. Dr. Murali Kallummal, Professor at CWS & Head Admin, CRIT, proposed the vote of thanks, followed by certificate distribution.
In his Special Address, Shri Amitabh Kumar highlighted the role of trade in supporting GDP growth while emphasizing the need for trade professionals to navigate an increasingly complex global trading environment. He specifically mentioned challenges posed by neo-mercantilist approaches and measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Referring to India's economic reforms since 1991 and its WTO accession in 1995, he noted the expanding scope of multilateral trade rules beyond goods to include services, intellectual property rights, and sustainability-related issues. He appreciated CRIT's initiative in organizing this capacity-building program.
The course provided participants with a structured understanding of the international trading system and trade negotiations, covering foundational concepts, the WTO framework, and the economic, legal, and policy dimensions of contemporary trade. The specialized sessions offered insights into key negotiating areas relevant to the evolving global trade landscape.