Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)
Why in News?
RIS and the Delhi School of Economics launched the “India and Emerging Economic Order Forum” (IEOF) in New Delhi on 29 September 2026.
Core Profile & Mandate
- Establishment: It was established in May 1983 as a registered autonomous society under the financial support and guidance of India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- Origins: It was created as India’s contribution to fulfilling the Non-Aligned Movement's (NAM) long-felt need for a dedicated global think tank for developing nations.
- Primary Objective: To foster effective policy dialogue, promote South-South Cooperation (SSC), and assist developing nations in multilateral economic and trade negotiations.
- Advisory Role: It functions as a key advisory body to the Government of India on regional, sub-regional, and multilateral economic issues (e.g., WTO, UN, World Bank, and G20 processes).
Key Operational Pillars
- Global Economic Governance: Conducting intensive research into multilateralism, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and international financial reforms.
- Trade & Investment Cooperation: Providing empirical research and analytical support to India for executing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and expanding partnerships with regional blocs like ASEAN, BRICS, BIMSTEC, and IBSA.
- Connectivity & Maritime Economy: Leading regional connectivity corridors and housing the Center for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC) to advance India's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
- New Technologies: Researching the implications of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and intellectual property rights (IPR) for developing economies.
Major Institutional Initiatives & Centers
- DAKSHIN: RIS acts as a core partner for the Global South Centre of Excellence (DAKSHIN), an initiative announced by India to share development solutions with fellow developing nations.
- ASEAN-India Centre (AIC): Housed within RIS, it works on strengthening institutional, economic, and people-to-people linkages between India and ASEAN countries.
- Capacity Building Programs: Coordinates elite global academic fellowships and programs, including Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) courses, IBSA fellowships, and the RIS-EXIM Bank Summer School.
- Flagship Publications: Regularly publishes authoritative research documents, including the World Trade and Development Report and policy briefs detailing global supply chains and agricultural transformations.
