Govt Launches ₹497-Crore RELIEF Scheme to Support Exporters Amid Business Disruptions

Ziraat Times News Desk

New Delhi, April 2: The Government of India has approved a ₹497-crore scheme titled RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) to support exporters facing logistics disruptions due to the ongoing situation in West Asia.

The scheme, launched under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), aims to cushion exporters—particularly MSMEs—against rising freight costs, insurance challenges, and supply chain uncertainties.

Enhanced Risk Coverage for Exporters

Under the RELIEF initiative, exporters who had already secured credit insurance from the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India will receive up to 100% risk coverage for eligible consignments during the period from February 14 to March 15, 2026, without any additional financial burden.

For upcoming shipments between March 16 and June 15, 2026, exporters will be encouraged to obtain ECGC cover with government support providing up to 95% risk coverage, aimed at sustaining export activity amid uncertainty.

Support for MSMEs Without Insurance

Recognising the challenges faced by smaller exporters, the scheme also provides partial reimbursement of up to 50% for extraordinary freight and insurance surcharges incurred by MSMEs that did not avail ECGC cover during the eligible period. The reimbursement is capped at ₹50 lakh per exporter and will be subject to verification and prescribed conditions.

Export Promotion Mission Framework

The RELIEF scheme is part of the broader Export Promotion Mission, approved for the period FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, to enhance India’s export competitiveness, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises.

The mission will operate through two sub-schemes:

• Niryat Protsahan, focused on improving access to trade finance through measures such as interest subvention, export credit guarantees, and support for e-commerce exporters.

• Niryat Disha, aimed at strengthening trade infrastructure through quality compliance, branding, market access, logistics, and trade intelligence support.

Government’s Response to Global Disruptions

The scheme reflects a broader effort by the government to mitigate the impact of geopolitical tensions on trade flows and ensure continuity of exports.

The details of the initiative were shared in Parliament by Minister of State for MSMEs Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Officials said the RELIEF scheme is expected to stabilise exporter confidence, reduce financial risks, and help maintain India’s export momentum during a period of global uncertainty.