The Government of India has extended key export-support measures to help Indian exporters deal with continued geopolitical uncertainty, higher logistics costs and disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis. The latest move includes extending the eligibility timeline under the RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) scheme, and support under the RoDTEP framework has continued. Key Highlights RELIEF Component II eligibility and validity have been extended until March 31, 2027. The measures aim to address higher freight, insurance costs and logistics disruptions. ECGC is the nodal agency for implementing key RELIEF support. RELIEF was launched under the Export Promotion Mission in March 2026. The government has taken several measures to maintain export flows amid West Asia-related disruptions. RELIEF Scheme Extended for Exporters The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has extended the eligibility and validity timelines under Component II of RELIEF until March 31, 2027. The extension comes as exporters continue to face logistical challenges arising from disruptions across the Gulf and wider West Asia maritime corridor. RELIEF was introduced on March 19, 2026, under the Export Promotion Mission to provide targeted assistance to exporters affected by extraordinary freight increases, higher insurance premiums and war-related trade risks. The scheme has a financial outlay of ₹497 crore. Support for Export Insurance and Logistics Costs The government has designated ECGC as the nodal agency for implementing important components of the RELIEF programme. ECGC said it has introduced several measures amid the West Asia crisis, including enhanced insurance coverage for banks supporting smaller exporters and assistance for additional freight and insurance costs under RELIEF. The objective is to help exporters manage financial and logistical pressures while continuing international shipments. RoDTEP Support for Exporters The government had earlier restored the RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) rates and value caps in March 2026 after West Asia-related maritime disruptions affected shipping routes, schedules and logistics costs. The restored rates were brought back to the levels that were in force before the February 2026 restriction. RoDTEP provides eligible exporters with a rebate on certain embedded duties, taxes and levies that are not otherwise refunded. Why West Asia Disruptions Matter The conflict and resulting maritime uncertainty have affected shipping routes through the Gulf region. Vessel diversions, longer sailing routes, congestion at transshipment hubs and additional conflict-related charges have increased costs for some export consignments. The government has therefore introduced several measures to maintain the movement of export cargo and reduce the impact on businesses. An inter-ministerial group on supply-chain resilience has also been monitoring developments and coordinating measures involving government departments, financial institutions, logistics companies and exporter associations. Focus on MSME Exporters Small and medium-sized exporters are an important focus of the support measures. RELIEF includes provisions for eligible MSME exporters facing extraordinary freight and insurance-related costs. The government has also expanded the scheme's coverage during the year, including adding Egypt and Jordan to the eligible destination list under relevant provisions. The measures are intended to help businesses continue fulfilling export orders despite increased costs and uncertainty in international shipping. Government's Broader Export Strategy The latest extension is part of a wider effort to strengthen India's export ecosystem. The government has been working on export promotion, market diversification, logistics reforms and new trade agreements while encouraging exporters to explore markets beyond regions affected by geopolitical disruptions. As West Asia-related disruptions continue to affect international logistics, the extended support gives eligible exporters additional time to use government-backed measures while adjusting their shipping and market strategies.
