Archive · 21 Jul 2026
UPI Expands Globally to 12 Countries
UPI, a digital payment system from India, is now available in 12 countries.
It started in 2016 and has grown very fast, with billions of transactions every year.
Now, Indians can use UPI to pay in places like Bhutan, Singapore, and France.
This makes traveling and doing business easier.
UPI is helping India become a leader in digital payments worldwide.
UPI is now operational in 12 countries, including Bhutan, Singapore, and France.
UPI transaction volumes have surged from 4,595.61 crore in FY 2021-2022 to 18,586.60 crore in FY 2024-2025.
UPI enables seamless cross-border payments, reducing reliance on cash and international card networks.
The expansion is driven by partnerships between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), foreign governments, banks, and payment service providers.
UPI is expected to facilitate cross-border trade, improve remittance flows, and offer a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional payment mechanisms.
- Who
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- What
- UPI expansion to 12 countries
- When
- 2021-2026
- Where
- Bhutan, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE, Qatar, Cambodia
- Why
- To enable seamless cross-border payments and reduce reliance on cash and international card networks
Pro-UPI Expansion
Privacy and Security Concerns
Economic Benefits
Pro-UPI Expansion
UPI expansion promotes economic growth and digital inclusion.
Privacy and Security Concerns
Potential risks include data breaches and financial fraud.
- Launch Date
- April 11, 2016
- Developer
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
- Regulator
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Transaction Volume (FY 2024-2025)
- 18,586.60 crore
- Transaction Value (FY 2024-2025)
- ₹ 84.16 lakh crore
- Countries with UPI
- 12