India’s Growing Economic Clout in the Shadow of the US-China Trade War

Key Takeaways: Businesses are operating under growing uncertainty due to ongoing trade disputes, marked by reciprocal tariffs, para-tariffs, and a recent pause in negotiations, undermining predictability and long-term planning. India is increasingly emerging as a pivotal hub in global semiconductor manufacturing, playing a critical role in the production of iPhones. The Indian semiconductor market is […]
Impact Of Non -Major Ports On Shipping

This report examines the growing role of non-major ports in shaping India’s maritime economy and enhancing regional connectivity. As India’s trade volumes continue to expand, non-major ports—traditionally overshadowed by major ports—are emerging as crucial facilitators of both domestic and international cargo movement. The study analyzes operational data, infrastructure capacity, hinterland linkages, and policy frameworks across […]
South Asia’s Twin Deficits of Trade and Trust

The recent border standoff between India and Pakistan has altered the contours of South Asian geopolitics. For India, the idea of South Asia is increasingly defined by its eastern counterparts—where fostering deeper economic and diplomatic ties with neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan has become the cornerstone of its regional engagement strategy. A region that […]
Dhruv Mehrotra
Dhruv Mehrotra, Research Assistant Dhruv holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from NMIMS, Mumbai. His core competencies lie in research, communication, and leveraging AI tools for analytical insights. With a keen interest in trade dynamics, import/export systems, supply chains, trade policies, and economics, he focuses on exploring global trade trends and technological integration in […]
The Future Of Express Cargo Clearance In India

This report, jointly published by the Express Industry Council of India (EICI) and the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF), presents a strategic roadmap for the integration of the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) into India’s upcoming Customs Integrated System (CIS). It also serves as a forward-looking blueprint for shaping a robust and adaptive […]
As Pakistan and Bangladesh get close, India should be watchful

This article was published in the Indian Express While India was committed to its eastern neighbourhood through the Act East Policy and the Neighbourhood First Policy, the latest developments should alert India to be cautious. Since Sheikh Hasina’s overthrow in August last year and the visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to Bangladesh this […]
Sagnik Samadder
Sagnik Samadder -Senior Research Associate Sagnik brings with him five years of rich experience, underpinned by a deep understanding of trade and development consultations. A student at the Symbiosis School of Economics, he possesses a strong interest in drafting policy briefs, research articles, and analytical reports. His professional journey also includes valuable experience working in […]
India-Myanmar Connectivity

India-Myanmar Connectivity- India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border, offering significant opportunities for trade, connectivity, and regional integration. Despite historical and cultural ties, border infrastructure, trade facilitation, and regulatory frameworks remain underdeveloped, limiting economic potential. This study aims to address these gaps by assessing trade flows, infrastructure bottlenecks, and policy challenges, while providing actionable […]
NTRS- National Time Release Study

Under the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) ratified by India, the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) was established, comprising representatives from both the government and private sectors. This committee spearheaded the formulation of the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP), aimed at enhancing the efficiency of trade processes in the country. India’s National Time Release Study […]
Empowering Women: Unveiling the Importance of Public Transport

This policy paper by BRIEF explores the pivotal role of public transport in fostering women’s empowerment and gender equality. Based on a seminar held in 2024, it examines the challenges women face in accessing safe, affordable, and inclusive transport, such as widespread harassment, safety concerns, inadequate amenities, and the lack of gender-responsive planning. The paper […]