India Expands RELIEF Scheme to Support Exporters Amid West Asia Tensions

As the ongoing tensions in the West Asia are continuing the Government of India has expanded the RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) Scheme to support the exporters who are facing rising logistics and insurance costs. The scheme was launched under the Export Promotion Mission and it will now includes Egypt and Jordan in the eligibility list and also provide the broader assistance to Indian exporters which are operating in affected regions.

What Is the RELIEF Scheme?

The RELIEF Scheme was launched on the March 19, 2026 and the time-bound intervention to help the exporters deal with disruptions which was caused by conflicts and instability in the Gulf and West Asia regions.

It also provides the financial and logistical support across the export cycle which includes the both past shipments and upcoming exports.

The scheme is implemented via the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) which acts as the nodal agency.

Key Benefits for Exporters

The scheme offers the targeted relief to the exporters and specially the MSMEs through the,

• Insurance support for the export shipments.
• Facilitation of new export credit policies.
• The reimbursement of the high freight and insurance costs.
• Also the coverage for both the completed and future shipments

These measures are designed to reduce the financial pressure which was caused by the war-related risks and rising the maritime costs.

Why Egypt and Jordan Were Added

The inclusion of the countries like Egypt and Jordan signals the expanding impact of the geopolitical disruptions beyond the Gulf region.

Many trade routes in the West Asia and North Africa corridor have been affected which is leading to delays, higher insurance premiums and the increased freight charges.

Also by adding these countries the government aims to protect the exporters involved in to the extended trade routes and will ensure smoother export operations.

New Policy Clarification for Wider Participation

The government has also clarified that the exporters who take a fresh ECGC Whole Turnover Policy after the March 16, 2026 will be eligible for the benefits under the scheme.

This step is expected to,

Encourage the more exporters to join the scheme.
It will also provide clarity and ease of access.
Will support new and small exporters.