🌍 UPI Goes Global: PM Modi Eyes Cyprus After France and UK Integration
India’s flagship digital payment platform, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), is continuing its international expansion journey. Following recent collaborations with France and the UK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that talks are underway to bring UPI to Cyprus as part of a broader fintech diplomacy strategy.
The announcement was made during PM Modi’s recent engagements in Europe, where he emphasized the role of India’s digital infrastructure in strengthening cross-border financial integration.
📈 The Global March of UPI
UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has already transformed India’s domestic payments ecosystem, recording over 13 billion transactions monthly in 2025.
Now, India is exporting its success model globally:
| Country | UPI Status |
|---|---|
| France | Operational via Lyra |
| UK | Partnership with PayXpert for UPI acceptance at merchants |
| Singapore | Real-time payment link live (with PayNow) |
| UAE | UPI accepted at select merchant locations |
| Bhutan | Full integration with national payment systems |
| Oman | UPI acceptance enabled |
| Cyprus | Negotiations in progress |
🤝 Cyprus Next in Line for India’s Digital Push
While no formal agreement has been signed yet, PM Modi stated:
“Talks are on with Cyprus to enable UPI-based digital payments in the region. We are committed to making Indian fintech solutions available to the world.”
Cyprus, a strategic European partner and an emerging destination for Indian travelers and business, could benefit from real-time, low-cost payment options powered by India’s digital stack.
💡 Why UPI Is a Global Game-Changer
Real-time, 24/7 transfers
Low transaction fees
Interoperability across banks and apps
Advanced security architecture
Supports QR code payments, merchant billing, peer-to-peer transfers
Global adoption helps reduce remittance costs, streamline tourism and student payments, and strengthen diplomatic and trade ties.
🧭 India’s Fintech Diplomacy Strategy
India’s government and NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) are working to make UPI a global payments brand, similar to Visa or Mastercard—but faster and cheaper.
Through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and public-private collaborations, India aims to integrate UPI into banking networks and point-of-sale systems in partner countries.
❓ FAQs – UPI’s Global Expansion to Cyprus and Beyond
Q1. What is UPI and why is it important globally?
UPI is India’s real-time payment system enabling instant money transfers. It’s gaining global traction due to low cost, speed, and secure interoperability.
Q2. When will UPI be launched in Cyprus?
There is no official launch date yet. Discussions are in progress between India and Cyprus authorities, and an announcement is expected soon.
Q3. How does UPI benefit Indians abroad?
NRIs, tourists, and students can pay directly in INR from Indian bank accounts, eliminating the need for currency conversion or forex charges.
Q4. Will UPI work for Cypriot users too?
Once launched, local merchants in Cyprus can accept UPI payments from Indian users. Full integration may later allow broader cross-border transfers.
Q5. Which app can be used to make UPI payments abroad?
Popular UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and BHIM support international usage where UPI is accepted.
🏁 Conclusion
The planned UPI expansion to Cyprus is a major leap forward in India’s mission to globalize its digital payment infrastructure. With France and the UK already onboard, Cyprus could soon join the growing list of nations tapping into India’s fintech revolution—paving the way for a more inclusive, efficient, and digital-first global economy.
www.vizzve.com || www.vizzveservices.com
Follow us on social media: Facebook || Linkedin || Instagram