Amid logistics disruptions from the West Asia war, the government announced a ₹497 crore relief package for exporters on Thursday. Named RELIEF, it includes three components enhancing ECGC credit insurance and supporting MSMEs.
Amid concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and the West Asia war, the commerce ministry announced a ₹497 crore relief package called RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) for exporters on Thursday. It covers consignments to West Asian countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Israel, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen, for delivery or transshipment. > Exporters with existing ECGC credit insurance from February 14 to March 15 get up to 100% additional risk coverage beyond their current policy. > Those planning shipments in the next three months receive government support for up to 95% additional ECGC coverage. > MSMEs facing extra freight and insurance surcharges without prior coverage qualify for partial reimbursement, up to ₹50 lakhs per exporter, subject to conditions, verification, and ceilings. > “This support will be extended subject to prescribed conditions, documentary verification and notified ceilings (up to ₹50 lakhs per exporter).” The package forms part of the ₹25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission (EPM) 2026-31, aimed at mitigating logistics disruptions, protecting exporter confidence, preventing order cancellations, and safeguarding jobs. ECGC Ltd, under the commerce ministry, handles implementation. > “RELIEF has been structured to provide support across the export cycle by covering the shipments already left during the disruption period as well as prospective exports planned to the affected region.”
