UPI Global Expansion Push by Modi

Modi Calls for Wider Global Expansion of India’s UPI Payment Network

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for wider international adoption of India’s UPI payment network, including links with payment systems in more countries.

Prime Minister Modi has called for wider global adoption of UPI
UPI is currently available in 11 countries, including Singapore, UAE, France and Nepal
The payment system processed 24.51 billion transactions worth ₹29.82 trillion in August
Global UPI expansion could make cross-border payments and remittances easier and cheaper
India is also exploring stronger links between UPI and international payment systems

Prime Minister Modi has called for the global expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India, encouraging the indigenous retail payment system to interlink with payment systems in other nations.

UPI, which operates under the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is available in 11 countries, including Singapore, the UAE, France and Nepal. According to Prime Minister Modi, the global reach of UPI is an example of India’s success in digital payments.

Based on 2025 data from the IMF, UPI is the world’s largest retail fast-payment system in terms of transaction volume. In August 2026, there were 24.51 billion transactions worth 29.82 trillion Indian rupees ($314.21 billion) on this payment system.

Addressing a fintech conference in Mumbai, Modi mentioned that connecting UPI with other payment systems would be the next step. He stated that the system could be expanded in those nations that have a large Indian diaspora and good trade relations with India.

Further internationalization of UPI can contribute to lowering the cost of sending money for Indians working abroad. The Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India have been taking measures to make UPI an international payment platform, thus making payments easier for Indian travellers and NRIs by lowering transaction costs.

UPI has been interconnected with Singapore’s PayNow, which was introduced in 2023 and helps users send money through a mobile number or Virtual Payment Address.

UPI expansion into other parts of the world comes at a time when India is moving towards digitising its payment systems and establishing more international payment links. It would be easier for people to use UPI payments across borders in the future.

India has now opened up the possibility of merchants being charged for using the UPI system following amendments to India’s payments laws approved by Parliament.

FAQs

What is UPI?

UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, is India’s retail fast-payment system operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
How many countries currently use UPI?

UPI is currently available in 11 countries, including Singapore, the UAE, France and Nepal.
Why does India want to expand UPI internationally?

International expansion could make cross-border payments easier and help reduce transaction and remittance costs for Indians living or working abroad.
Is UPI connected to Singapore’s PayNow?

Yes. UPI was interconnected with Singapore’s PayNow in 2023, allowing users to send money using a mobile number or Virtual Payment Address.
What did Modi say about UPI’s future?

Modi said connecting UPI with other international payment systems should be the next step, particularly in countries with strong Indian diaspora and trade links.