India’s economic growth story has always been intertwined with its export performance. Exports are not just numbers on a trade balance sheet—they represent jobs, innovation, and India’s integration into global value chains. Recognizing this, the government has launched the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a landmark initiative announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. With an ambitious outlay of ₹25,060 crore spanning FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, EPM is designed to transform India’s export ecosystem through a unified, digitally enabled, and outcome-driven framework.
Why EPM is a Game-Changer
Until now, India’s export support was fragmented across multiple schemes—interest equalization, market access programs, and infrastructure incentives. While these helped, they lacked coordination and scalability. EPM addresses these gaps by creating a single, integrated platform that focuses on:
- Affordable Trade Finance for MSMEs and first-time exporters
- Compliance with Global Standards to meet stringent international norms
- Branding and Market Access for Indian products worldwide
- Logistics Support for exporters in remote and low-export-intensity districts
This mission is not just about boosting numbers—it’s about building resilience, inclusivity, and competitiveness in India’s export sector.
Core Features of EPM
1. Digital-First Approach
The backbone of EPM is its dedicated digital platform, managed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This platform ensures end-to-end paperless processing, from application to approval to disbursal. Integrated with trade and customs systems, it guarantees speed, transparency, and efficiency, reducing bureaucratic delays and empowering exporters with real-time updates.
2. Two Powerful Sub-Schemes
EPM operates through two complementary sub-schemes:
- Niryat Protsahan (Financial Enablers):
- Interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment credit
- Export factoring and deep-tier financing
- Credit cards tailored for e-commerce exporters
- Collateral support and credit enhancement for high-risk markets
- Niryat Disha (Non-Financial Enablers):
- Testing, certification, and audits for compliance
- Branding and packaging assistance for global appeal
- Participation in international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets
- Inland transport reimbursement for exporters in remote districts
- Capacity building at cluster and district levels
Together, these schemes ensure that exporters are financially empowered and market-ready.
Credit Guarantee Scheme: Strengthening Liquidity
Complementing EPM is the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE), which provides an additional ₹20,000 crore in credit support. With 100% government-backed guarantees, exporters—especially MSMEs—can access collateral-free credit and up to 20% additional working capital. This scheme, valid until March 31, 2026, is a lifeline for businesses exploring new markets and scaling operations.
RBI’s Trade Relief Measures: A Timely Boost
The Reserve Bank of India has stepped in with regulatory relaxations to ease liquidity pressures amid global trade uncertainties:
- Moratorium on Loan Repayments (Sept–Dec 2025)
- Extended Export Credit Tenure to 450 days
- Flexibility in Working Capital Management
- Regulatory Forbearance on Asset Classification
- FEMA Relaxations: Extended realization period for export proceeds from 9 to 15 months
These measures ensure exporters maintain financial stability and operational continuity during challenging times.
Sectoral and Regional Priorities
EPM focuses on sectors most impacted by global tariff escalations, including:
- Textiles
- Leather
- Gems & Jewellery
- Engineering Goods
- Marine Products
Additionally, the mission targets MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labour-intensive sectors, while promoting exports from non-traditional districts through logistics support, branding initiatives, and district-level capacity building. This approach ensures inclusive growth and a wider geographic spread of export activity.
Expected Outcomes: Transforming India’s Export Landscape
EPM is designed to deliver measurable, transformative outcomes:
- Affordable Trade Finance for MSMEs
- Compliance Readiness through certification and audits
- Enhanced Market Visibility for Indian products globally
- Boosted Exports from remote districts and emerging sectors
- Employment Generation across manufacturing, logistics, and allied services
These outcomes align with Atmanirbhar Bharat and the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, positioning India as a trusted and competitive global trade partner.
Conclusion: A Unified Path to Global Competitiveness
The Export Promotion Mission is more than a policy; it’s a strategic transformation. By merging fiscal incentives, financial facilitation, digital governance, and regulatory flexibility into a single mission-mode framework, EPM empowers MSMEs, diversifies markets, and strengthens India’s global competitiveness. Alongside RBI’s relief measures and the expanded credit guarantee scheme, EPM represents a whole-of-government approach to export-led growth, ensuring India’s rise as a resilient and reliable player in global commerce. (Source: PIB)