PM Modi describes UPI as ‘Uniting partners with India’ as UPI services launched in Sri Lanka & Mauritius

New Delhi: India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services were rolled out in Sri Lanka and Mauritius on Monday during a virtual ceremony attended by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and the top leadership of the two island nations, underlying New Delhi's leadership in the Indian Ocean Region.

India's RuPay card services were also launched in Mauritius. Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and PM Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius were present on the occasion. Jugnauth said the co-branded RuPay card would be designated as a domestic card in Mauritius.

Calling it a special day, Modi said, "Today we are connecting our historical relations in a modern digital way. This is proof of our commitment to the development of our people. Through fintech connectivity, not only cross-border transactions but also cross-border connections will be strengthened. India's Unified Payments Interface, that is UPI, is now performing a new responsibility - Uniting Partners with India."

The PM noted that digital public infrastructure has brought about a revolutionary change in India. "Even the smallest businessman in our smallest village is making digital payments because it has convenience as well as speed," he said.

He also highlighted India's focus on its "neighbourhood first policy". "India's policy is Neighbourhood First. Our maritime vision is 'SAGAR', that is Security and Growth for All in the Region. Our goal is peace, security and development in the entire region. India does not see its development in isolation from its neighbouring friends."

Modi said the availability of UPI services in tourist destinations will increase tourism between the countries. "This would increase the tourism between us (India, Sri Lanka and Mauritius). I am confident that Indian tourists would also prefer destinations where UPI services are available," he added.

Referring to the Vision Document that was adopted during the visit of Sri Lankan President, Modi highlighted the strengthening financial connectivity as its key component. With Jugnauth, these discussions were conducted as he was a special guest during the G20 Summit.

Wickremesinghe congratulated the Prime Minister for the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He also emphasised the centuries-old economic relations. The President hoped to maintain the momentum of connectivity and deepening of ties between the two countries.

The PM underlined that Monday's launch symbolised the success of the Global South cooperation. "Our relations are not just about transactions, it is a historical relation," Modi said.

Given India's robust cultural and people-to-people linkages with Sri Lanka and Mauritius, the expansion of UPI services will benefit a wide cross-section of people. It will enable availability of UPI settlement services for Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka and Mauritius as well as for those travelling to India from Mauritius.

The extension of RuPay card services in Mauritius will enable Mauritian banks to issue cards based on RuPay mechanism and facilitate usage of RuPay card for settlements both in India and Mauritius.