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RELIEF Scheme Offers Critical Lifeline To Textile Exporters Amid West Asia Turbulence

• By  Textile Excellence
• March 19, 2026

Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has welcomed the Government’s RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) scheme, calling it a timely intervention to stabilise exporters hit by escalating disruptions in West Asia.

The ₹497 crore programme targets logistics volatility triggered by security risks in key maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz. Freight costs and insurance premiums have surged, eroding margins in a sector already under stress. India’s textile exports declined 0.31% in February 2026, while apparel shipments dropped 8.60% year on year.

RELIEF enhances risk coverage through ECGC Ltd., offering up to 100% protection on existing consignments and 95% on future shipments. MSME exporters will receive up to 50% reimbursement on extraordinary logistics costs.

Industry leaders noted that West Asia remains a key market, with the UAE ranking among the top four destinations. Policymakers expect the scheme to safeguard export flows in a US$ 40 billion textile sector and restore trade confidence.

The ₹497 crore programme targets logistics volatility triggered by security risks in key maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz. Freight costs and insurance premiums have surged, eroding margins in a sector already under stress. India’s textile exports declined 0.31% in February 2026, while apparel shipments dropped 8.60% year on year.