Why in the News
According to a PIB press release (26 October 2026), the Department of Commerce has extended the deadline of Component-II of RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) until 31 March 2027. The extension was made through notification No. 37/2026-27 (30 September 2026). As the reason, PIB cited the continuing geopolitical disruption in West Asia and its effect on maritime logistics in the Gulf and adjoining regions.
Key facts (as per PIB)
The table below is based on the PIB press release.
| Subject | As per PIB |
|---|---|
| Scheme | RELIEF, a time-bound intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM); launched 19 March 2026 |
| Extension | Component-II deadline extended to 31 March 2027 |
| Notification | No. 37/2026-27, 30 September 2026 |
| Cover | ECGC's Standalone and Whole Turnover policies (taken on or after 16 March 2026); 95% risk cover |
| Premium | Protected from rising above the pre-disruption level during the eligibility period |
| Cargo | FCL, LCL and reefer containers; energy shipments not included |
What is RELIEF
According to PIB, RELIEF is a time-bound intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM). It began on 19 March 2026. Its aim is to help Indian exporters facing extraordinary freight increases, higher insurance premiums and war-related export risks from the disruption in the Gulf and the wider West Asian maritime corridor.
How Component-II works
The purpose of Component-II is to encourage exporters to take cover from ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India) for shipments going to designated regions. It provides 95 percent risk cover. The benefit applies to Standalone and Whole Turnover policies taken on or after 16 March 2026. The premium of eligible exporters stays protected from rising above the pre-disruption level during the eligibility period. The cover includes FCL, LCL and reefer containers, not energy shipments. Claims must be filed through ECGC's customer portal.
Key points from the exam's perspective
- RELIEF is under the Export Promotion Mission; Component-II is linked to ECGC cover.
- The Component-II deadline is now 31 March 2027; the extension came through notification No. 37/2026-27 (30 September 2026).
- Remember the 95% risk cover and the exclusion of energy shipments.
Prelims Practice Questions
1. With reference to Component-II of RELIEF, consider the following statements:
- Its deadline has been extended to 31 March 2027.
- It encourages taking ECGC cover and provides 95 percent risk cover.
- Energy shipments are included in its cover.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer and explanation
Answer: (b). Statements 1 and 2 match the release. Statement 3 is wrong, because the cover includes FCL, LCL and reefer containers, and energy shipments are not included.
2. With reference to RELIEF, consider the following statements:
- It is a time-bound intervention under the Export Promotion Mission, which began on 19 March 2026.
- The benefit of Component-II applies to ECGC policies taken on or after 16 March 2026.
- Claims under Component-II are filed through ECGC's customer portal.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer and explanation
Answer: (d). All three statements match the PIB release.
Mains Practice Question
'In times of export crisis, insurance-based risk protection can be a more sustainable option for exporters than direct cash assistance.' Evaluate this statement with reference to Component-II of RELIEF. (150 words)
Sources and limits of fact
- PIB: RELIEF Component II Offers 95% Risk Coverage to Encourage ECGC Cover for Export Shipments - press release, 26 October 2026; main and primary source.
Limitation: All facts are from the PIB press release. The text of DGFT's original notification No. 37/2026-27 has not been read here; see the notification for the details of eligible regions and the 'eligibility period'.
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