Jitin Prasada highlights India's economic resilience and growth at the IIFT Conference

Addressing delegates, Prasada said India continues to stand out as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies despite ongoing global challenges.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada inaugurated the Global Business Research Conference (GBRC) 2026 at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), bringing together academics, policymakers, researchers and industry leaders to discuss the future of business in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Held under the theme "Managing Business Amidst Worldwide Turbulence", the conference focuses on how businesses, governments and educational institutions can respond to changing geopolitical conditions, evolving trade patterns and rapid technological advances.

Addressing delegates, Prasada said India continues to stand out as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies despite ongoing global challenges. He noted that the country's long-term development strategy, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, has placed strong emphasis on manufacturing, trade, innovation and technology.

The Minister pointed to progress in sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and international trade partnerships as evidence of India's expanding influence in the global economy.

Researchers and policymakers examine global business trends

Prasada also acknowledged the role of institutions such as IIFT in supporting economic development through research, policy analysis and leadership development. He expressed confidence that discussions held during the conference would contribute valuable recommendations for future policymaking. IIFT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi said the institute has strengthened its international partnerships and expanded its research activities while building its reputation as a leading centre for international business education.

According to Joshi, the global business environment is undergoing significant transformation as countries adapt to geopolitical tensions, changing trade dynamics and technological disruption, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. The conference features a range of Directors' Conclaves that will examine topics such as the internationalisation of business schools, the growing use of AI in management education, innovation and entrepreneurship, and new approaches to teaching in a rapidly changing world.

Researchers are also presenting studies across areas including finance, marketing, strategy, public policy, information technology, analytics, supply chain management and international trade.

BRICS and AI among major themes at the event

Conference's key discussions will focus on the role of BRICS nations in a multipolar world and their growing influence on global trade and economic governance. The event also includes a dedicated Doctoral Colloquium, providing young researchers with opportunities to engage with senior academics and receive guidance on strengthening their research work.

GBRC 2026 has attracted participation from leaders representing some of India's top educational institutions, including several Indian Institutes of Management, IIT Bombay, the Indian School of Business, BIMTECH, Delhi School of Economics, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, IILM University and Jindal Global Business School. The conference concludes on 5 June with a valedictory session and awards ceremony recognising outstanding research papers, poster presentations and doctoral research contributions.