IIFT to Launch Essential Course on Trade Negotiations for Future Free Trade Agreements

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), under the Commerce Ministry, is set to introduce a course on negotiation skills soon. This initiative aims to address the growing need for expertise in areas such as free trade agreements, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. He highlighted the importance of this skill set during a recent event.

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Barthwal mentioned that the book "Strategies in GATT and WTO Negotiations" by Abhijit Das could serve as an initial textbook for the course. The book was released at the event, and Barthwal noted its significance as a comprehensive resource on trade negotiations. He emphasised that there was previously no publication offering such a detailed perspective.

Focus on Free Trade Agreements

India is actively negotiating several trade agreements with countries like the US, UK, Oman, Australia, Peru, and the European Union. Barthwal stressed that negotiation skills are crucial due to the involvement of officials from various departments in these agreements. The increasing number of free trade agreements underscores the need for proficient negotiators.

Barthwal expressed concern about the current capabilities of Indian negotiators compared to their counterparts from offices like the USTR or European Commission. He acknowledged their dedication and knowledge but pointed out a lack of negotiation skills. "On a daily basis, I'm finding it very difficult to see that our negotiators, you know, can be as good as the negotiators, which are coming from the USTR office or from the European Commission's office," he said.

Enhancing Negotiation Skills

The new course at IIFT aims to fill this gap by providing structured training in negotiation techniques. Barthwal stated that having a solid curriculum is essential for developing these skills. He also noted that negotiations today involve not just multilateral but also plurilateral and bilateral discussions.

Abhijit Das brings over two decades of experience in international trade, including significant roles in trade policy-making within the Indian government. His experience includes participation in numerous multilateral and free trade agreement negotiations, such as the WTO Doha Round.

Barthwal believes Das's book will be invaluable for negotiators, providing them with a clear starting point. "If I give it to my negotiators, they will know from where to begin," he remarked. This reflects the book's utility in guiding negotiators through complex discussions.

The introduction of this course at IIFT signifies a strategic move to enhance India's negotiating prowess on the global stage. By equipping officials with essential skills, India aims to strengthen its position in international trade negotiations.