On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Indian government launched a Rs 4,531-crore market access support scheme for exporters, designed to provide financial assistance for participation in international fairs and exhibitions. This initiative is part of a broader Rs 25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission (EPM) aimed at boosting India's export competitiveness.

The Market Access Support (MAS) scheme will allocate Rs 4,531 crore over six years, from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with Rs 500 crore earmarked for the initial year. The EPM, approved by the Cabinet in November 2025, seeks to integrate Indian firms into global value chains and support employment, manufacturing, and services.

Key Objectives and Implementation

The MAS scheme, implemented under the NIRYAT DISHA sub-scheme of the EPM, is designed to empower Indian exporters by facilitating their participation in international platforms. This includes funding for international trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and trade delegations. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between Indian businesses and global markets, fostering greater engagement and trade opportunities.

The EPM is structured as a mission-mode program with coordinated institutional oversight, involving the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Finance, Commodity Boards, financial institutions, industry associations, state governments, and Export Promotion Councils in India.

Specific Support Measures

• Financial Assistance: The scheme provides financial support for activities like Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, and Mega Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets (RBSMs) organized in India.
• Advance Planning: A forward-looking three-to-five-year calendar of major market access events will be prepared and approved in advance, enabling exporters and organizing agencies to plan their participation effectively.
• MSME Focus: A minimum participation of 35% Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has been mandated for supported events, with special prioritization for new geographies and smaller markets to encourage export diversification.
• Delegation Size: Delegation sizes have been benchmarked at a minimum of 50 participants, with flexibility based on market conditions and strategic relevance.
• Airfare Support: Small exporters with an export turnover of up to Rs 75 lakh in the preceding year will be provided partial airfare support to encourage new and small exporters.
• Streamlined Processes: End-to-end processes for event listing, proposal submission, approvals, participant onboarding, fund release, and monitoring will be enabled through the online portal.

Rationale and Impact

The government's move to support exporters comes at a crucial time, particularly when they face challenges such as a 50% tariff imposed by the US. By enhancing export competitiveness, especially for MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labor-intensive sectors, the EPM aims to sustain export orders, protect jobs, and support diversification into new geographies.

The EPM is a strategic shift from fragmented schemes to a single, outcome-based mechanism that can respond swiftly to global trade challenges. The mission focuses on improving access to affordable trade finance and enhancing global market readiness and competitiveness.