New Delhi — The Centre has rolled out a new scheme, Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF), with an outlay of around Rs 500 crore to support Indian exporters facing disruptions due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Announcing the initiative, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the scheme is part of the government’s broader Export Promotion Mission and is aimed at stabilising export flows during the current uncertainty.
He explained that RELIEF is designed to provide targeted support, especially to small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are grappling with operational challenges caused by disruptions in shipping and logistics.
The scheme will focus on 17–18 export destinations that have been particularly impacted by the situation in the West Asia and Gulf regions. Its key objective is to ensure that exports continue smoothly despite ongoing challenges.
Agrawal noted that exporters are currently facing a sharp rise in freight charges and insurance premiums due to the conflict. The scheme is expected to ease this burden and help businesses stay competitive in global markets.
RELIEF will offer support to both insured exporters and non-ECGC insured MSMEs for one month, with additional assistance for future shipments extending up to three months.
The financial outlay for the scheme will be met through existing allocations under the Export Promotion Mission. An inter-ministerial group is also working to address exporters’ concerns, as shipments are being delayed or, in some cases, failing to reach their destinations due to disruptions along key trade routes.
The crisis follows recent tensions in the region, including joint military actions involving the United States and Israel targeting Iran, which have affected major shipping and air corridors. This has led to higher oil prices and increased logistics costs globally.
Meanwhile, Director General of Foreign Trade Lav Agarwal confirmed that the scheme will involve a focused and time-bound intervention. The government-owned Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India will act as the implementing agency.
The government hopes the RELIEF scheme will help exporters navigate these “extraordinary times” while maintaining steady trade flows.
With inputs from IANS