The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) is a New Delhi, India-based research institute or group. It is a think tank focused on providing high-quality, jargon-free outputs for governments and industry. The initiative was founded by Mr. Ajay Srivastava, a former Indian Trade Service officer who took Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) from the Government of India in March 2022. The core purpose of its creation was to offer independent analysis on trade, technology, and climate change, with a perspective on development and poverty reduction.
GTRI's mechanism involves three key areas: Research, Training, and Trade Analytics. Its research provides data-driven insights on issues like Foreign Trade Policy, WTO negotiations, and new trade concerns such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The Trade Analytics section includes tools like a Duty Calculator and services for Export/Import Analysis and Export Readiness Assessment.
The work of GTRI connects directly to India's international trade relations, such as its analysis of the impact of US tariffs on Indian exports and its call for a review of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) due to concerns over precious metal imports. Since its founding in or after March 2022, the initiative itself is a recent development, and its focus remains consistent on providing strategic trade policy recommendations.