Government extends RELIEF scheme to shield exporters from West Asia logistics disruption

The government has extended the operational timelines of a key component of its RELIEF scheme to provide greater insurance protection to Indian exporters facing elevated freight, insurance and war-related risks amid continuing disruptions in the West Asia maritime corridor.

The Department of Commerce, through a September 30 notification, extended Component II of RELIEF, Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation, a time-bound intervention under the Export Promotion Mission. The extension comes as geopolitical disruptions continue to affect maritime logistics across the Gulf and adjoining regions.

Under the component, exporters shipping to specified regions can obtain Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) cover with 95 per cent risk coverage for upcoming consignments. The facility applies to Stand Alone Policies as well as Whole Turnover Policies obtained on or after March 16, 2026.

The cover extends to full-container-load, less-than-container-load and reefer-container cargo, although energy shipments are excluded. Importantly, the scheme also provides that the premium paid by eligible exporters will not rise beyond the pre-disruption level during the covered period.

The RELIEF scheme was launched on March 19 against the backdrop of a sharp increase in freight costs, insurance premiums and war-related risks following disruptions along the Gulf and wider West Asian maritime corridor.

The latest extension is aimed at helping exporters maintain shipments despite heightened uncertainty over maritime routes and logistics costs, and comes as continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia threaten to add to the cost and risk of India's external trade.

www.thehindubusinessline.com, dt. 03-10-2026