The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services are poised to make their debut in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, marking a significant milestone in India’s digital payment landscape. Scheduled for launch at 1 pm on Monday, this development comes as part of India’s efforts to extend its digital payment infrastructure to neighboring countries. Additionally, RuPay card services will be introduced in Mauritius, enhancing financial connectivity and convenience for users in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth, will oversee the “historic launch” via video conferencing, as announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in a post on X. The event will be streamed live on the RBI’s YouTube channel, allowing viewers to witness the momentous occasion.
The expansion of UPI settlement services to Sri Lanka and Mauritius holds numerous benefits for travelers and citizens alike. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the launch will facilitate seamless digital transactions for Indian nationals traveling to these countries and vice versa. Moreover, the introduction of RuPay card services in Mauritius will empower Mauritian banks to issue cards based on the RuPay mechanism, enabling users to conduct transactions both within India and Mauritius.
India’s leadership in fintech innovation and digital infrastructure is highlighted by this initiative, underscoring the country’s commitment to sharing its development experiences with partner nations. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on fostering digital connectivity aligns with the government’s vision of leveraging technology to enhance financial inclusion and efficiency.
The extension of digital payment services to Sri Lanka and Mauritius is expected to foster stronger ties and enhance connectivity between the countries. Leveraging India’s robust cultural and people-to-people linkages with these nations, the launch promises to deliver a faster and more seamless digital transaction experience for users across diverse demographics.
In a related development, the Indian Embassy in Bahrain recently inaugurated a digital fee collection kiosk in collaboration with ICICI Bank and SADAD Electronic Payment System BSC. This self-service touch-screen kiosk provides a convenient payment solution for approximately 340,000 Indians residing in Bahrain, allowing them to pay for various services, including passport renewal, attestation, and registration processes, using debit and credit cards. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and improve the overall experience for citizens living abroad.
The launch of UPI services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, along with the introduction of RuPay card services in Mauritius, represents a significant step towards strengthening digital connectivity and financial integration in the region. By leveraging India’s expertise in fintech and digital infrastructure, this initiative has the potential to drive economic growth, foster cross-border trade, and enhance financial inclusion across South Asia and beyond.
