RIS
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Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) is a New Delhi–based autonomous policy research institute that specialises in issues related to international economic development, trade, investment and technology. RIS is envisioned as a forum for fostering effective policy dialogue and capacity-building among developing countries on global and regional economic issues. The focus of
The Fourth Bay of Bengal Economic Dialogue (BoBED), organised by Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi, in collaboration with think-tanks of the BIMSTEC region, BIMSTEC Secretariat and IDRC brought together senior policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and practitioners from across the Bay of Bengal region to deliberate on pathways towards a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Bay of Bengal amid global uncertainties.
From discussions on trade, connectivity, AI, climate resilience, regional value chains, and people-to-people contacts to the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, BoBED reflected a strong commitment to an inclusive regional integration and shared partnership.
05/01/2026
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) kick-starts a brainstorming series focusing on key issues likely to engage Trade Ministers of World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled to be held in Cameroon from 26–29 March 2026.
The opening session, entitled 'The Lynchpins for Re-invigorating the World Trade Organization: WTO Reforms and Dispute Settlement Reforms,' brought together former bureaucrats, the Indian WTO Ambassadors, academicians specialising in WTO law and economics, and senior trade policy experts, creating a rich forum for informed and forward-looking deliberation. Discussions commenced with two of the most consequential items on the MC14 agenda—WTO reform and dispute settlement reform.
Setting the tone for the series, Prof. Sachin Kumar Sharma, Director General, RIS, delivered the welcome address, outlining the objectives and thematic focus of the brainstorming initiative. His address was followed by the inaugural speech by Shri. Amitabh Kumar, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who highlighted key policy priorities and contextualised the discussions within India’s engagement with the evolving multilateral trading system.
The session featured substantive presentations by Ms. Aparna Ray, Joint Secretary (PP&R), Ministry of External Affairs; Atul Kaushik; and Dr Harsha Vardhana SINGH. Their interventions provided analytical perspectives on key dimensions of WTO reform and dispute settlement, enriching the discussions with policy-relevant insights grounded in institutional experience and scholarly engagement.
The participants offered insightful and constructive perspectives on pathways to restore the effectiveness, credibility, and centrality of the multilateral trading system, reflecting on reforms needed to enable the WTO to respond to contemporary global trade challenges while preserving its development dimension. The deliberations highlighted the imperative of reviving an institution that has underpinned global economic growth and prosperity for over three decades.
Building on these discussions, RIS will publish well-researched analytical papers on each theme covered in the series, aimed at contributing substantively to policy debates in the run-up to MC14.
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RIS, 4th Floor, Core 4B, India Habitat Centre
Delhi
110003
