India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services were launched in Sri Lanka and Mauritius at 1 pm on Monday, February 12, just a few days after being rolled out in France. 

With this launch, Indian nationals can avail of UPI settlement services when travelling to Sri Lanka and Mauritius and vice versa for Mauritian nationals travelling in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mauritius’ Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth participated in a virtual launch ceremony. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that India has emerged as a leader in Fintech innovation and Digital Public Infrastructure. 

The government also announced the launch of RuPay card services in Mauritius, which will enable Mauritian banks to issue cards based on the RuPay mechanism in the country and facilitate usage of RuPay Card for settlements in India and Mauritius.

The launch will benefit many people through a faster and more seamless digital transaction experience and enhance digital connectivity between the countries.

Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India, UPI is a mobile-based payment system that allows round-the-clock instant bank transfers via a virtual payment address.