Strategic Supply Chain Research – Critical Minerals
BRIEF conducted in-depth research and analysis for a major international trade and investment organization exploring supply chain pathways for critical minerals in the Indo-Pacific region. The study involved primary stakeholder engagement with cross-border traders, freight operators, logistics intermediaries, port officials, and geopolitical analysts to map the operational and regulatory realities of emerging mineral corridors from […]
Bridging Continents: The Strategic Case of Direct Air Connectivity between India and Western Australia
As India and Australia deepen their strategic partnership across trade, education, and people-to-people ties, the absence of direct air connectivity between India and Perth, Western Australia remains a significant structural gap. BRIEF is undertaking a focused research and advocacy initiative to build an evidence-based case for establishing a direct air route between Perth and key […]
Theme-Based Audit on Multimodal Transport and Logistics Initiatives (MMTAL) in Indian Railways
BRIEF was engaged by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) to execute the beneficiary and stakeholder survey for the Theme-Based Audit on Multimodal Transport and Logistics Initiatives (MMTAL) in Indian Railways, conducted for the Office of the Principal Director of Audit, Railway, Mumbai (Comptroller and Auditor General of India).BRIEF carried out the primary […]
Institutional Overview and Development of the GCC Customs Union
BRIEF, working jointly with the Corporate Group (Dubai), was commissioned by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to prepare an institutional assessment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Customs Union and its evolving trade architecture. The study responded to the resumption of Japan–GCC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations and the strong interest among Japanese firms […]
Impact Assessment of the Quality Control Order (2021) on Toys – BIS Product Certification Scheme-I
BRIEF was commissioned by the Centre for WTO Studies (CWS), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, to conduct the Impact Assessment of the Quality Control Order (2021) on Toys, a study examining the effects of the Toys Quality Control Order (QCO) issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The study assesses […]
Assessment of Logistics Cost in India FY 2023-24
BRIEF supported the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in conducting the Assessment of Logistics Cost in India FY 2023–24. Mr. Afaq Hussain served as Co-Author and expert consultant on the report, contributing to the […]
The Provincial Globalists: How States are Rewriting Trade Diplomacy
1. INTRODUCTION Apple’s export of iPhones from India crossed USD 23 billion 2025[i], with an 85 percent jump from the previous year. India’s Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) crossed the threshold of USD 1.4 trillion between April 2000 and December 2025[ii]. These stories did not emerge simply in New Delhi and what had actually unfolded was […]
Shahnawaz Qadri
Project Manager An academic with more than 13 years of experience in research, policy analysis and teaching. Proven expertise in qualitative research, data synthesis, and policy analysis, with a focus on Sustainable Development and Environment; Humanitarian aid politics; Women Empowerment, Geopolitical Risk Assessment; and foreign relations. Dr. Qadri has taught international relations at various colleges […]
Manya Kakkar
Research Assistant Manya Kakkar is a trade and policy researcher with a focus on how infrastructure, agreements, and global corridors shape India’s economic relationships. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Delhi, she brings a grounding in finance, economics, and statistical analysis to her work. At BRIEF, her work cuts across […]