The government on Wednesday announced a Rs 4,531-crore Market Access Support (MAS) scheme to help Indian exporters expand their global footprint by participating in international trade fairs, exhibitions,
and buyer-seller meets.
The support comes at a time when exporters are facing heightened external pressures, including a steep 50% tariff imposed by the US on select Indian goods.
The Market Access Support initiative is part of the broader Rs 25,060-crore export promotion mission approved by the Centre. Under the scheme, Rs 4,531 crore will be spent over a six-year period from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with Rs 500 crore earmarked specifically for the current financial year.
Director General of Foreign Trade Ajay Bhadoo said the scheme will provide structured financial and institutional support for export promotion activities such as Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, and Mega Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets (RBSMs) organised in India.
He said a forward-looking three-to-five-year calendar of major market access events will be prepared and approved in advance. This, he added, will allow exporters and organising agencies to plan participation well ahead of time and ensure continuity in market development efforts.
To promote inclusivity, Bhadoo said at least 35% participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has been mandated for all supported events. Special priority will also be given to new geographies and smaller markets as part of the government’s push to diversify India’s export destinations.
According to the guidelines, delegation sizes for overseas events have been benchmarked at a minimum of 50 participants, though flexibility has been provided based on market conditions and the strategic importance of specific regions.
In a bid to encourage first-time and small exporters, the government will also extend partial airfare support to exporters with an annual export turnover of up to Rs 75 lakh in the preceding year.
The Market Access Support scheme is aimed at helping Indian exporters deepen their presence in global markets, counter rising trade barriers, and sustain export momentum amid a challenging international trade environment.
