IIFT Expands Global Footprint with First Overseas Campus in Dubai

• 17 May 2025
• 521 Views

The first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), an independent organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has been established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is a major step towards increasing India's involvement in terms of international business education and growing IIFT's global footprint.

In Short:

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade’s first overseas campus has been set up in Dubai, UAE.

• The overseas campus will popularize India’s educational presence in the Gulf.

The Ministry of Education has approved this historic development and the University Grants Commission, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs have all issued No Objection Certificates. It is a significant milestone in the internationalization of Indian higher education and is consistent with NEP 2020's vision, which lays strong emphasis on the establishment of global learning hubs and the internationalization of Indian institutions.

"This truly reflects the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, marking a new chapter in the internationalization of Indian education and its growing role in shaping thought leadership globally," said Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, who expressed his happiness and congratulated IIFT on this historic achievement. This new campus will be crucial in shaping tomorrow's business leaders, and it is also evidence of the growing India-UAE collaboration.

The establishment of a full-fledged campus in the heart of UAE marks a significant milestone in IIFT's 62-year history, and Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal congratulated the institute on its first overseas growth. It symbolizes India's rise to prominence as a nation offering top-notch education, particularly in the area of international trade. He praised the institute for continuously directing its research and academic activities toward the good of the country, which would greatly aid in export promotion.

Vice Chancellor Professor Rakesh Mohan Joshi of IIFT asserted his dedication to making IIFT a world-class institution and leaving his mark on its soon-to-be Dubai campus by achieving excellence in international trade research, training, and education. He expressed gratitude to the Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, UGC, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and everyone else who has continuously contributed to the establishment of IIFT's Dubai campus. He mentioned the dedication of IIFT when it comes to using research and education to further India's academic and economic diplomacy.

The Dubai campus of IIFT will serve as a central hub for development of worldwide business leaders having Indian values and a global perspective. This initiative showcases India's growing educational partnership with the UAE. 

Apart from meeting the ever changing demands of the Indian diaspora and international students, it will also popularize educational presence of India in the Gulf. With the opening of its campus in Dubai, IIFT can expand the Indian educational heritage and produce future leaders who will influence global trade and business.

Source: PIB