India Extends Export Relief Scheme to 2027
The government extends support for eligible exporters until March 31, 2027, with 95% risk coverage under a scheme addressing West Asian shipping disruptions.
The Department of Commerce has extended the timeline for Component II of the RELIEF initiative until March 31, 2027, to help Indian exporters manage risks arising from continuing geopolitical disruptions in West Asia. The extension was announced by the government on October 26, 2026, under the Export Promotion Mission.
RELIEF stands for Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation. The initiative was launched on March 19, 2026, to address extraordinary freight-cost increases, higher insurance premiums and war-related risks affecting export shipments through the Gulf and adjoining maritime regions.
Under Component II, eligible exporters can access 95 per cent risk coverage intended to encourage the use of Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) insurance for upcoming shipments to specified regions. The support is designed to help exporters maintain trade flows despite uncertainty surrounding shipping and insurance conditions.
The benefit applies to eligible Standalone Policies and Whole Turnover Policies obtained on or after March 16, 2026. Under the scheme, the premium payable by qualifying exporters is protected against increases beyond pre-disruption levels during the eligible period, subject to the programme’s terms.
Eligible cargo categories include Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and refrigerated, or reefer, containers. Energy shipments are excluded from this component of the initiative.
The extension responds to continuing disruption in West Asian maritime logistics, where geopolitical tensions can affect shipping routes, freight rates, insurance availability and delivery schedules. These pressures can raise costs for Indian businesses and create uncertainty for exporters fulfilling international orders.
Exporters seeking coverage must submit claims and supporting documents through the ECGC customer portal. The corporation has also provided online guidance to help exporters register, access their accounts and complete the claims process.
The government said the extension is intended to strengthen export resilience and support continuity in international trade. Actual assistance will depend on eligibility, the applicable policy conditions and the requirements of the RELIEF scheme.