Government doubles down on export push with risk cover, digital reforms, and FTAs amid geopolitical uncertainty
In a decisive move to safeguard exporters from rising geopolitical disruptions, the government has rolled out a time-bound “RELIEF” scheme, even as India’s export engine continues to show resilience in a volatile global environment.
The scheme, introduced under the broader Export Promotion Mission, aims to cushion exporters against heightened risks emerging from tensions in key trade corridors, such as the Gulf and West Asian maritime routes. It will be implemented through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC), providing critical risk-mitigation support to businesses navigating uncertain global markets.
The move comes at a time when India’s export performance has remained robust despite global headwinds. During April–January of FY 2025–26, total exports of goods and services rose by USD 36 billion to USD 714.73 billion, marking a 5.26 per cent increase over the same period last year.
Officials say this resilience reflects a broader structural shift in India’s trade ecosystem, driven by policy support, digital transformation, and aggressive market expansion strategies.
At the core of this strategy is the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which focuses on trade facilitation, export promotion, and digital integration. Complementing this is the ₹25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission (EPM), designed to boost trade finance access and upgrade logistics, branding, and market readiness—especially for MSMEs.
Schemes such as RoDTEP continue to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports by neutralising embedded taxes, while infrastructure initiatives like TIES are strengthening export-linked logistics across the country.
Parallelly, the government is pushing a digital-first trade governance model. Platforms like Trade e-Connect and digital certification systems are streamlining approvals, improving transparency, and reducing turnaround time for exporters.
On the global front, India is accelerating trade diplomacy.
With 19 free trade agreements already in place and multiple negotiations underway—including with the EU, UK, and GCC nations—the country is seeking deeper integration into global value chains and more predictable market access.
The newly launched RELIEF scheme signals a shift from merely promoting exports to actively insulating them from geopolitical shocks—a recognition that in today’s fragmented world, resilience is as critical as growth.
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