New Delhi: Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said India continues to rank among the world’s fastest-growing economies despite global uncertainty and economic challenges.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the Global Business Research Conference (GBRC) 2026 at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The conference, themed “Managing Business Amidst Worldwide Turbulence”, brought together academicians, policymakers, researchers and industry experts from India and abroad to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the global business environment.
Jitin Prasada said India had adopted a long-term strategy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He noted that the country was strengthening trade, manufacturing, innovation and technology-driven growth.
He highlighted India’s progress in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and global trade partnerships. According to him, these achievements reflected the country’s expanding role in the international economy.
The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of IIFT in developing future business leaders and generating research-based policy insights. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that the conference would produce valuable recommendations for economic growth and policymaking.
Fastest-growing economies discussion dominates GBRC 2026
IIFT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi said the institute had expanded its international collaborations and research initiatives. He added that GBRC 2026 reflected IIFT’s commitment to promoting academic research and policy dialogue.
Prof. Joshi noted that geopolitical developments, changing trade patterns and technological disruptions were reshaping the global business landscape. Therefore, evidence-based research and policy inputs had become increasingly important.
The conference featured Directors’ Conclaves on internationalisation strategies, artificial intelligence in management education, innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition, researchers presented papers on finance, marketing, trade, supply chains, analytics and public policy.
A special session on BRICS examined the role of emerging economies in shaping global trade and the international economic order. The event also included a Doctoral Colloquium to encourage collaboration between scholars and senior academics.
The conference attracted participation from leading institutions, including IIMs, IIT Bombay, ISB, MDI Gurgaon, BIMTECH and several universities. It will conclude on June 5 with awards recognising outstanding research contributions.
