Empowering Indian Exporters: Launch of INSIGHT Under Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

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Dated: 23.02.2026

Empowering Indian Exporters: Launch of INSIGHT Under Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – NIRYAT DISHA

The Government of India has taken a significant step towards strengthening the export ecosystem with the launch of the Support for Integrated Support for Trade Intelligence & Facilitation (INSIGHT) under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – NIRYAT DISHA. This initiative, announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) through Trade Notice No. 27/2025-26 dated 20th February 2026, aims to address critical challenges faced by exporters, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and enhance their global competitiveness.

What is INSIGHT?

INSIGHT is a forward-looking intervention designed to tackle information asymmetries, procedural frictions, and capacity gaps that hinder exporters and manufacturers. By providing structured, non-financial support, INSIGHT seeks to empower exporters with the tools, knowledge, and institutional support necessary to thrive in the global market.

Key Objectives of INSIGHT 

The primary goals of INSIGHT are:

Strengthening Exporter Preparedness: Addressing challenges such as lack of information, procedural hurdles, and institutional capacity gaps.
Enhancing Export Readiness: Building capabilities and skills through structured training and knowledge dissemination, with a focus on emerging areas of international trade.
Improving Market Responsiveness: Supporting exporters with trade intelligence, analytics, and digital tools to make informed decisions and adapt to market trends.
Promoting Convergence: Aligning efforts with Central, State, and District-level export promotion initiatives, including collaboration with District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) and State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs).

Scope and Coverage 

INSIGHT offers assistance for activities that enhance export preparedness, improve facilitation systems, and generate actionable trade intelligence. The initiative focuses on non-financial interventions, such as capacity building, research, analytics, and pilot projects, rather than physical infrastructure development or direct financial support.

The intervention operates through four key sub-areas:

Export Capacity Building and Skills Development: Structured training, knowledge dissemination, and skill enhancement for exporters and export-support institutions.
District and Cluster-Level Export Facilitation: Outreach, counselling, and institutional capacity building at district or cluster levels.
Trade Intelligence, Analytics, and Digital Knowledge Systems: Development and dissemination of trade-related information, analytics, and decision-support platforms.
Research, Innovation, and Pilot Interventions for Export Promotion: Research studies, pilot projects, and innovation initiatives to strengthen export competitiveness.

Eligibility Criteria

INSIGHT is open to a wide range of entities, including:

Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Commodity Boards.
Offices and agencies under the Department of Commerce.
Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Missions Abroad.
Organisations recommended by the Ministry of MSME or Ministry of External Affairs.
Academic and research institutions recognised under Central/State Acts or by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) and State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs).
Organisations or associations recommended by the Central or State Government.

Key Features of INSIGHT

Export Capacity Building and Skills Development:
- Development of training modules, toolkits, and digital learning content.
- Organisation of workshops, seminars, and certifications in export-import management.
- Financial assistance up to 50% of the approved project cost, with higher support for government entities.
Research, Innovation, and Pilot Interventions:
- Support for research studies, trade analytics, forecasting models, and pilot projects.
- Funding up to 50% of the approved project cost, with full funding for government-led initiatives.
- Intellectual property rights for fully funded projects will vest with the Government of India.
District and Cluster-Level Export Facilitation:
- Capacity-building programmes, compliance training, and export facilitation mechanisms.
- Alignment with District Export Action Plans under the Districts as Export Hubs framework.
- Financial assistance up to 50% of the approved project cost, with full funding for government entities.
Trade Intelligence, Analytics, and Digital Knowledge Systems:
- Development of digital platforms, dashboards, and trade intelligence tools.
- Public accessibility of outputs developed under this intervention.
- Intellectual property rights for fully funded projects will vest with the Government of India.

Governance Structure

INSIGHT will be overseen by a Sub-Committee on Trade Facilitation and Intelligence, chaired by the Additional DGFT in charge of the EPM Division. The Sub-Committee will provide recommendations on proposals, prioritise activities, and advise on financial assistance levels. The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) Section at DGFT Headquarters will act as the secretariat for the implementation and operationalisation of INSIGHT.

Application Process

Eligible entities can submit proposals for various activities under INSIGHT, including:

Development of modules and toolkits.
Research studies in emerging trade areas.
Training programmes and capacity-building events.
District and cluster-level export facilitation.
Development of trade intelligence, analytics, and digital platforms.

Applications must be submitted online using the prescribed formats provided in Annexure-IV of the Trade Notice. The forms for submission are available at the following links:

Developing Modules/Toolkits in Emerging Areas: Link
Research Studies: Link
Capacity Building in Emerging Areas: Link
District/Cluster Level Capacity Building: Link
Trade Intelligence & Analytics: Link

Emerging Areas of Trade 

INSIGHT places a strong emphasis on emerging areas of trade, which include:

Digital & Paperless Trade: Promoting interoperability frameworks, electronic certifications, and digital trade documentation.
Sustainability and Climate-Responsive Trade: Focusing on low-carbon goods, green fuels, and renewable energy trade.
Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency: Encouraging trade in recycled inputs and circular supply chains.
Inclusive and Responsible Trade: Supporting women-led enterprises, MSMEs, and fair trade practices.
Supply Chain Resilience: Enhancing risk mitigation and diversification strategies.
Logistics and Shipping: Developing green shipping solutions and smart logistics systems.
Artificial Intelligence and Trade Intelligence: Leveraging AI for predictive analytics, compliance, and market analysis.
Technology-Intensive and Strategic Emerging Sectors: Advancing agri-tech, health sciences, space economy, and dual-use technologies.

Conclusion

INSIGHT is a transformative initiative that aims to empower Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs, by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and institutional.

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Source: DGFT

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