Integration with Universal Postal Union hailed as game-changer
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has gone global with its integration into the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The announcement came at the Universal Postal Congress in Dubai on 9 September.
The move allows millions to send and receive payments through postal channels, extending UPI’s reach far beyond conventional banking. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia captured the significance: “Just as postmen once carried letters to every village, they will now carry digital payments across borders.”
Experts view this as a game-changer for remittances, particularly for migrant workers. For instance, Indian workers in the Middle East often face high fees for remitting money home; UPI integration promises cheaper, faster, and safer transfers.
Already linked with systems in Singapore, UAE, and Nepal, UPI’s tie-up with UPU creates a truly global payment corridor. The integration will also support India’s ambition to lead the Global South’s digital finance revolution.
Fintech leaders are upbeat, with one executive saying: “This move positions UPI not just as India’s platform, but as the world’s template for low-cost payments.”