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 a comprehensive overview of key concepts, institutions, and contemporary issues in international trade and trade negotiations.
Program Structure and Content
The academic program on the first day covered sessions on "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."
Valedictory Session and Key Addresses
The program concluded with a Valedictory Session featuring valedictory address by Professor & Head, CTIL, with additional charge as Professor & Head, CWS, Dr. James J. Nedumpara; keynote address by Vice Chancellor, IIFT Dr. K. Rangarajan; and Special Address by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Amitabh Kumar. Professor, CWS & Head Admin, CRIT, Dr. Murali Kallummal, 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 noting the need for trade professionals to navigate an increasingly complex global trading environment. He specifically mentioned 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 highlighted the expanding scope of multilateral trade rules beyond goods to services, intellectual property rights, and sustainability-related issues, and appreciated CRIT's initiative in organizing this capacity-building program.
The three-day course provided participants with a structured understanding of the international trading system and trade negotiations, covering foundational concepts, 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.