RELIEF Scheme Expanded for Export Support | 18 Apr 2026

Source: PIB 

Recently, the government expanded the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) Scheme in response to geopolitical tensions and maritime disruptions in West Asia. 

• About: RELIEF is a time-bound initiative under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with a ₹497 crore outlay, launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to provide a financial and operational safety net for Indian exporters facing rising maritime risks. 
• Objective: It seeks to mitigate logistics costs, provide risk protection, ensure supply chain resilience, and maintain export competitiveness during geopolitical disruptions. 
• Coverage: The scheme covers exports to West Asia and Gulf countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran and Yemen, along with newly added Egypt and Jordan. 
• Implementation: It is implemented through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC), which handles claims, disbursement and monitoring. 
• Three-Part Framework: 
  • Component 1: Supports exporters already holding ECGC Ltd. cover by maintaining pre-disruption premium rates for consignments issued between 14th February and 15th March, 2026, with enhanced cover up to 100% of loss for war-related risks. 
  • Component 2: Provides up to 95% loss coverage for consignments (16th March–15th June 2026); includes exporters obtaining fresh ECGC Whole Turnover Policies post 16th March 2026. 
  • Component 3: Specifically targets MSME  exporters who lacked prior insurance, offering a cap of Rs 50 lakh per exporter for affected shipments.