On MAY 16, 2025, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, announced the establishment of its first overseas campus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This landmark initiative marks a significant step in expanding India’s presence in international business education and aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Launch of IIFT’s Dubai Campus
A Historic Milestone
The establishment of IIFT’s Dubai campus on May 16, 2025, was made possible through approvals from the Ministry of Education and No Objection Certificates from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the University Grants Commission (UGC). This development reflects the globalization of Indian higher education and strengthens the India-UAE partnership.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal congratulated IIFT, stating that the campus embodies the spirit of NEP 2020 and will play a pivotal role in shaping global business leaders. Similarly, Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal hailed the initiative as a turning point in IIFT’s 62-year history, emphasizing its role in promoting world-class education in international trade.
Objectives of the Dubai Campus
Nurturing Global Business Leaders
The Dubai campus aims to transform IIFT into a world-class institute by excelling in research, training, and education in international trade. Led by Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of IIFT, the campus will serve as a strategic hub for nurturing business leaders with Indian values and an international outlook. It will cater to the Indian diaspora, global learners, and the dynamic needs of the Gulf region’s business ecosystem.
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | Offer world-class education in international trade and business. |
| Research and Training | Advance research in global trade to support India’s export promotion. |
| Global Outreach | Strengthen India’s educational footprint in the Gulf region. |
| Cultural Integration | Blend Indian values with an international perspective in education. |
The campus will also contribute to India’s academic and economic diplomacy, fostering collaboration between Indian and global institutions.
Alignment with National Education Policy 2020
Internationalization of Indian Education
The establishment of the Dubai campus aligns with the NEP 2020, which emphasizes the internationalization of Indian institutions and the creation of global learning hubs. By setting up a campus in Dubai, IIFT is taking Indian education to new frontiers, showcasing the country’s ability to provide world-class education and thought leadership in international trade.
This initiative also reflects India’s growing role in shaping global education standards and fostering cross-cultural academic collaborations.
Significance for India-UAE Relations
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The Dubai campus underscores the deepening educational collaboration between India and the UAE. It serves as a testament to the strong India-UAE partnership, which spans trade, culture, and education. The campus will provide opportunities for students in the Gulf region to access IIFT’s expertise in international business, thereby enhancing India’s educational footprint in the region.
By grooming leaders who will shape the future of international trade, the campus will contribute to the economic growth of both nations.
Key Highlights
- IIFT announced its first overseas campus in Dubai on May 16, 2025.
- Campus aligns with NEP 2020, promoting the internationalization of Indian education.
- Approvals secured from Ministry of Education, UGC, and other key ministries.
- Aims to nurture global business leaders with Indian values and an international outlook.
- Strengthens India-UAE educational collaboration and promotes international trade education.