Government has expanded the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) list of eligible destinations in view of the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia and its impact on maritime logistics across the Gulf and adjoining regions. RELIEF was launched on 19 March 2026 as a targeted intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to support Indian exporters affected by extraordinary freight escalation, heightened insurance premia and war related export risks. It provides calibrated support across the export cycle for shipments undertaken during the disruption period as well as prospective exports.

RELIEF is being implemented through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) as the nodal agency and includes facilitation of insurance cover and reimbursement assistance for eligible Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) exporters facing extraordinary freight and insurance surcharge burdens. With the recent expansion Egypt and Jordan have been added to the list of eligible countries for shipments meant for delivery or transhipment under the relevant provisions of the RELIEF framework. The addition extends geographical coverage into the North Africa corridor and adjacent parts of West Asia.

A Policy Circular dated 15 April 2026 clarified that Component II, which pertains to ECGC insurance support, will also cover exporters obtaining a fresh ECGC Whole Turnover Policy on or after 16 March 2026, enabling wider participation by new policyholders. The clarification is intended to ensure greater clarity and facilitate wider participation of exporters. Implementation through ECGC is intended to streamline access to cover and reimbursement mechanisms.

The Government said the measures reflect continued assessment of evolving trade and logistics conditions in the region and its commitment to respond to emerging challenges faced by exporters. By expanding the geographical coverage of RELIEF the Government aims to ensure that exporters operating across the extended West Asia and North Africa corridor are supported during disruptions. The expansion is expected to strengthen export resilience, sustain trade flows and support Indian exporters navigating geopolitical and logistics uncertainties.