India offers insurance support as small exporters face cash-flow strain

By Manoj Kumar and Shivangi Acharya

NEW DELHI, March 19 (Reuters) - Indian small and medium exporters are facing payment delays and cash‑flow stress as war‑risk premiums and emergency surcharges drive freight rates sharply higher, the trade ministry said on Thursday.

Routes through conflict‑hit West Asia have seen a steep rise in freight and insurance bills, costs that exporters have limited ability to pass on, the ministry said.

New Delhi launched a 4.97 billion rupees ($53.26 million) scheme to support insurance cover for shipments moving through the affected corridors to stabilise costs and prevent order cancellations, it added.