The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has announced the establishment of its first overseas campus in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This marks a key step in expanding IIFT’s global presence and strengthening India’s engagement in international business education.

This historic development has been made possible with the 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. It marks a proud moment in the globalisation of Indian higher education and aligns with the vision of NEP 2020, which emphasizes the internationalisation of Indian institutions and the creation of global learning hubs.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, expressing his happiness and congratulating IIFT on this landmark achievement, said, “This truly reflects the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, marking a new chapter in the internationalisation of Indian education and its growing role in shaping thought leadership globally. It is also a testament to the strengthening India-UAE partnership, and this new campus will play a pivotal role in moulding the business leaders of tomorrow.”

Congratulating IIFT on its maiden international expansion, Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal said that it’s a turning point in the 62 years of IIFT’s history that the institute is setting up a full-fledged campus in Dubai. It represents India’s emergence as a country that provides world class education especially in the field of International Trade. He commended the institute for consistently aligning its academic and research endeavours in national interest that would contribute significantly to promote exports.

Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor (IIFT), reiterated his commitment to transform IIFT into a world class institute and make a mark in its newly upcoming Dubai campus by way of excelling in research, training and research in the area of International Trade. He thanked Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indian Embassy in UAE, UGC and all those who have extended their consistent support in making IIFT’s Dubai campus a reality. He reaffirmed IIFT’s commitment to advancing India’s academic and economic diplomacy through excellence in education and research.

The upcoming Dubai campus reflects India's deepening educational collaboration with the UAE and is poised to become a strategic center for nurturing global business leaders equipped with Indian values and international outlook. It will not only serve the dynamic needs of the Indian diaspora and global learners but also strengthen India's educational footprint in the Gulf region.

With the launch of its Dubai campus, IIFT is poised to carry the Indian legacy of education to new frontiers—grooming leaders who will shape the future of international trade and business.

Internationalisation of Indian education expands as IIFT opens Dubai campus after required approvals and NOCs enabling cross border operation. Establishment of an overseas campus is authorised following requisite approvals and No Objection Certificates, enabling the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade to found a full fledged campus in Dubai; these regulatory clearances form the operative legal basis for cross border campus establishment aligned with national policy on internationalisation, with the campus intended to serve as a strategic centre for education, research and training in international trade and to strengthen educational diplomacy and global academic collaboration.