UPI services launched in Sri Lanka and Mauritius: Key facts
- Along with UPI, India’s RuPay card services were launched during the event in Mauritius. RuPay, a global card payments network originating from India, claims wide acceptance across various points of sale, ATMs and online platforms.
- Indian and Mauritian citizens visiting each other’s countries can use UPI for easy digital transactions.
- Mauritius banks can issue RuPay cards, allowing cardholders to make secure payments in both India and Mauritius.
- This collaboration promotes closer digital connectivity between the three countries, thereby promoting greater cooperation in the digital sector.
Who was present during the launch ceremony?
The event saw the participation of Prime Minister Modi as well as the top leadership of Sri Lanka and Mauritius. As announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), he was also joined by Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is a real-time payment system that facilitates seamless inter-bank transactions through mobile phones.
What was said in the statement of the Foreign Ministry?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India has emerged as a leader in fintech innovation and digital public infrastructure. The Prime Minister has emphasized on sharing our development experiences and innovation with partner countries.
The statement also highlighted India’s strong cultural and people-to-people ties with Sri Lanka and Mauritius. It emphasized that the launch will provide faster and seamless digital transaction experiences, benefiting a wide variety of people and increasing digital connectivity between countries.
The MEA statement mentioned that the launch will make UPI settlement services available to Indian citizens traveling to Sri Lanka and Mauritius as well as Mauritian citizens traveling to India.
It further clarified, “The extension of RuPay card services in Mauritius will enable Mauritian banks to issue cards based on the RuPay mechanism in Mauritius and facilitate the use of RuPay cards for settlements in both India and Mauritius.”