Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, today unveiled the UPI–UPU Integration project at the 28th Universal Postal Congress held in Dubai.
The initiative represents a landmark step aimed at transforming cross-border remittances and expanding financial inclusion globally.
Developed through a collaboration between India’s Department of Posts, NPCI International Payments Limited, and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the project integrates India’s widely used Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the UPU’s Interconnection Platform.
This fusion combines the extensive reach of the global postal network with the speed, security, and affordability of UPI’s real-time payments.
A Social Compact Beyond Technology
Describing the launch as ‘more than a technology launch, but a social compact’, Minister Scindia emphasised the project’s role in enabling instant, secure, and cost-effective money transfers across borders.
He highlighted how the integration strengthens the postal sector’s position as a trusted community service provider while broadening financial access worldwide.
In addition, Scindia announced India’s commitment of USD 10 million during the current UPU cycle to support innovation, e-commerce, digital payments, training, and capacity building.
He also reaffirmed India’s candidature for the UPU’s Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council, underscoring the country’s dedication to fostering a connected, inclusive, and sustainable global postal system.
Highlighting India’s inclusive approach, the minister cited the Aadhaar identity system, Jan Dhan financial inclusion scheme, and India Post Payments Bank as key enablers, with over 560 million bank accounts opened—predominantly in women’s names.
India Post, meanwhile, delivered over 900 million letters and parcels last year, demonstrating the vast scale and social commitment India brings to the global stage.
Transforming Cross-Border Payments
Scindia described the UPI–UPU integration as a transformative shift in cross-border remittances.
In 2024–25, UPI processed over 185 billion transactions worth USD 2.83 trillion, accounting for nearly half of global digital payments.
Previously hindered by high fees and delays, millions of Indians now enjoy faster, cheaper remittances, with UPI accepted in diverse markets, including the Gulf region and iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The new integration will make cross-border money transfers as simple as sending a text, enhancing convenience for the Indian diaspora and providing postal administrations with fresh revenue streams while reinforcing their community roles.
This initiative aligns with India’s support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of reducing global remittance costs to below 3% by 2030.
Scindia emphasised India’s commitment to resilient, interoperable solutions that avoid costly fragmentation and build trust by linking payments, identity, addressing, and logistics to enable seamless global commerce.
Masahiko Metoki, Director General of the Universal Postal Union, lauded India’s leadership in financial services and its vital role as Co-Chair of the Postal Operations Council.
He praised New Delhi’s strong, consistent support for UPU initiatives and highlighted India’s active role in enhancing international postal and financial networks.
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