RELIEF Scheme Launched to Support Exporters Amid West Asia Crisis

The Government has launched the Resilience and Logistic Intervention for Export Promotion (RELIEF) scheme to provide credit insurance support to exporters affected by the ongoing West Asia crisis. The initiative aims to safeguard shipments that are stranded and to encourage continued exports to Gulf countries in the coming months.

The scheme is part of the broader Export Promotion Mission announced in Budget 2025 and implemented during 2025–26. It focuses particularly on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are more vulnerable to external shocks.

Under the RELIEF scheme, exporters will receive up to 100% insurance coverage without any increase in premium rates, as the government will bear the additional cost. Insurance premia will remain at pre-conflict levels. The scheme also ensures coverage for full, partial, and refrigerated containers, helping maintain supply chain continuity.

The scheme is structured into three components:

1. First Component (₹56 crore):
   Targets exporters who already have credit insurance from ECGC Ltd. It applies to consignments bound for countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Yemen.
2. Second Component (₹159 crore):
   Designed for exporters who have not yet opted for ECGC cover but plan to export to affected countries over the next three months. Under this, ECGC will provide coverage of up to 95% of losses, subject to verification.
3. Third Component (₹282 crore):
   Exclusively for MSME exporters who have already been affected and have not availed ECGC cover. It applies to consignments made between February 14 and March 15, 2026. Support under this component is capped at ₹50 lakh per exporter to ensure targeted assistance.