The Union Cabinet has approved a major Export Promotion Mission (EPM) worth ₹25,060 crore to strengthen India’s export capabilities at a time of global trade uncertainty and higher tariffs on Indian goods.
The initiative comes as Indian exports to the United States face a 50% duty, placing pressure on several key sectors. The EPM will operate from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31 and will unify multiple export-support schemes under a single, streamlined framework.
The mission aims to modernize India’s export strategy by consolidating schemes such as the Interest Equalization Scheme and the Market Access Initiative. The unified approach is expected to offer more effective assistance tailored to changing global trade dynamics.
The focus will be on sectors currently affected by tariff hikes, including textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and marine products. The government expects the targeted support to help sustain export orders, protect employment, and encourage diversification into new markets.
A digital-first strategy forms the core of the EPM, enabling easier access to export resources and reducing structural challenges.
The mission seeks to improve access to affordable trade finance, lower compliance costs for international standards, and strengthen branding and market visibility. These measures are intended to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports globally.
The EPM includes two integrated sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha. Niryat Protsahan will provide financial support to MSME exporters through interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment credit, alternative trading instruments, and collateral support for export finance. Its objective is to close financing gaps and ensure smoother access to credit.
Niryat Disha will focus on export quality, compliance, and market access. It will support exporters with testing, certifications, and audits required for international standards, along with facilitating participation in trade delegations.
Improvements in export warehousing, branding, and packaging are also planned to reduce logistics costs and strengthen India’s product identity in foreign markets.
Alongside the EPM, the Cabinet has expanded the credit guarantee scheme for exporters. Under this initiative, the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited will provide full credit guarantee coverage to lending institutions.
The scheme aims to extend up to ₹20,000 crore in additional credit to eligible exporters, including MSMEs. The Department of Financial Services will supervise the implementation to ensure timely and equitable access to financial assistance.
The government expects the enhanced credit support to improve liquidity, operational continuity, and competitiveness for Indian exporters, particularly in emerging markets.
With exports playing a vital role in GDP and employment, the measures form a central part of India’s strategy to achieve its long-term target of $1 trillion in exports.
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