The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) marked its 57th Convocation with the conferral of degrees to over 650 students across various programs, including the flagship MBA (International Business), MA (Economics), Ph.D., and Executive Programmes. The event was presided over by Chancellor Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, and featured an inspiring virtual address by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal.
In his address, Minister Piyush Goyal encouraged graduates to leverage knowledge of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to unlock new business opportunities, with a vision of helping India achieve its ambitious $2 trillion trade goal. He urged graduates to adopt a forward-thinking approach, particularly in emerging sectors like semiconductors, telecom, and space technology, and emphasized the importance of ethical practices and social responsibility in business. He also lauded IIFT’s recent milestones, including its first international campus in Dubai, broadening its impact in the global business community.
Chancellor Shri Sunil Barthwal commended IIFT’s strong performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), placing it among the top 15 B-schools in India. He highlighted the institute’s expertise in international business strategy, its growing research impact, and upcoming projects, such as the newly established Centre for International Negotiations. Shri Barthwal shared plans for the IIFT Case Centre, aimed at creating India-focused business cases to enhance practical learning and real-world problem-solving.
Chief Guest Dr. Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Amul, urged graduates to consider careers in international business and trade, praising Indian companies for expanding into global markets. He emphasized the role of cooperatives in strengthening the rural economy and advised graduates to uphold ethical standards, prioritizing both professional excellence and personal well-being.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi congratulated the graduating class and underscored IIFT’s commitment to achieving 100% placements even amid a challenging job market. He recognized the faculty’s dedication to academic excellence and noted recent collaborations with universities in the United States and Europe, providing students with valuable global exposure and enhancing IIFT’s standing in the field of international trade and commerce education.
The convocation ceremony celebrated IIFT’s commitment to equipping students with skills for success in a dynamic global economy, reinforced by the institution’s continued focus on research, innovation, and international collaboration.
