MARKET STRUCTURE · REGULATORY · COMPETITIVE · INDIA
Government launches ₹497 crore RELIEF scheme
Change
The government launched a ₹497 crore Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme to provide credit-insurance cover for exporters affected by the West Asia crisis and for near-term Gulf shipments.
Why it matters
The government launched the RELIEF scheme with an overall envelope of ₹497 crore to provide credit-insurance cover at pre-conflict premia. The programme prioritises MSME exporters as beneficiaries. A dedicated ₹159 crore component targets exporters who have not taken ECGC cover. That component applies to consignments with Onboard Bill of Lading or airway bill dates between March 16 and June 15, 2026. Energy shipments are explicitly excluded from scheme coverage.
Implications
- · MSME exporters experiencing stranded consignments can access credit-insurance at pre-conflict premia under the scheme.
- · Exporters without existing ECGC cover can obtain coverage for consignments with qualifying onboard bill or airway bill dates (Mar 16–Jun 15, 2026).
- · Energy shipments remain ineligible for the scheme’s coverage.
- · Export finance and logistics teams must verify onboard bill or airway bill dates to assess eligibility for the ₹159 crore component.
Who is affected
- · MSME exporters
- · Exporters planning shipments to Gulf markets
- · Export credit insurers and underwriters
- · Export finance and logistics teams
What to watch
- · Onboard bill/airway bill eligibility window: March 16–June 15, 2026
- · Scheme launch date: March 19, 2026
Source
Topics
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