NPCI Targets 20 Global Markets for UPI Expansion

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is expanding the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) globally to facilitate person-to-person remittances and cross-border transactions for the Indian diaspora. CEO Dilip Asbe stated a goal of entering 15-20 markets over the next decade, seeking a level of self-sufficiency in cross-border payments that mirrors India's domestic success.

NPCI is currently negotiating with the governments and central banks of Japan, Malaysia, and Bahrain to link UPI with their respective payment systems. These efforts build on an existing presence in nine countries, including France, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. To further modernize the system, NPCI is exploring the integration of agentic AI through platforms such as Gemini and ChatGPT.

This strategic push follows a broader international trend of nations seeking greater control over financial infrastructure. The expansion is driven by a desire to avoid over-dependence on Western-led systems, particularly in response to the historical weaponization of payment networks through sanctions.