UPI Turns 10: Check 11 Countries Where Indians Can Pay Using UPI
The Unified Payments Interface ( UPI ) completed 10 years on August 25, 2026, marking a decade of transforming how Indians send and receive money. Launched on August 25, 2016, by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under the regulatory oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), UPI has now grown beyond India, with its payment network operational in 11 countries.
From everyday grocery purchases and bill payments to international transactions, UPI has become a major part of India’s digital payments ecosystem. Its expansion overseas is also making it easier for Indian travellers to make cashless payments in several popular international destinations.
According to a Ministry of Finance note, UPI's annual transaction volume increased from 1.78 crore transactions in FY 2016-17 to more than 24,162 crore transactions in FY 2025-26. This represents an almost 13,000-fold rise in transaction volume over the decade.
The value of transactions has also grown dramatically, rising from ₹0.07 lakh crore in FY 2016-17 to around ₹314 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, marking a more than 4,000-fold increase.
Its simple interface has helped bring digital financial services to a wider population. Users can make payments directly from their bank accounts without relying on traditional cash-based transactions.
The Ministry of Finance has described UPI as a major driver of financial inclusion, helping expand access to digital financial services and encouraging broader participation in the formal economy.
Highlighting the scale and reach achieved by UPI over the past decade, Modi said its journey was something every Indian could be proud of. He also encouraged citizens to share their experiences of using UPI and explain how digital payments have affected their everyday lives.
As digital payments continue to evolve, UPI's combination of speed, convenience and interoperability has positioned it as one of India's most significant digital innovations of the past decade.
From everyday grocery purchases and bill payments to international transactions, UPI has become a major part of India’s digital payments ecosystem. Its expansion overseas is also making it easier for Indian travellers to make cashless payments in several popular international destinations.
UPI Completes 10 Years: From Digital Experiment To Global Payment Platform
UPI has played a key role in reshaping India's digital payment landscape over the past decade. The platform enables instant, interoperable transactions between bank accounts, allowing users to make both person-to-person and person-to-merchant payments through supported apps.According to a Ministry of Finance note, UPI's annual transaction volume increased from 1.78 crore transactions in FY 2016-17 to more than 24,162 crore transactions in FY 2025-26. This represents an almost 13,000-fold rise in transaction volume over the decade.
The value of transactions has also grown dramatically, rising from ₹0.07 lakh crore in FY 2016-17 to around ₹314 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, marking a more than 4,000-fold increase.
UPI Goes Global: 11 Countries Where It Is Operational
UPI's international expansion has turned the Indian payment system into an increasingly recognised cross-border digital payments platform. It is currently operational in the following 11 countries:1. Bhutan
UPI can be used in Bhutan, making digital payments more convenient for Indian visitors travelling to the neighbouring country.2. Cambodia
Cambodia is another country where UPI has expanded its international footprint, giving travellers an additional digital payment option.3. France
France became an important milestone in UPI's overseas journey. Indian travellers can use UPI-enabled payments at participating locations, adding convenience while exploring the country.4. Greece
UPI's international presence also extends to Greece, providing Indian visitors with another option for making digital payments during their travels.5. Mauritius
Mauritius is among the countries where UPI is operational, strengthening digital payment connectivity between India and the island nation.6. Maldives
The Maldives, a popular destination among Indian tourists, is also part of UPI's growing international network.7. Nepal
UPI's presence in Nepal adds another convenient digital payment option for Indians travelling across the border.8. Qatar
Qatar is among the countries where UPI is operational, expanding India's digital payment reach in the Gulf region.You may also like
- Dividend Alert: Rites Ltd Announces Double Payouts With Interim And Final Dividends Lined Up
- FSSAI notices prompt food firms to withdraw misleading claims, revise packaging
- H-1B visa fee hike: Nasscom says actively engaged with all key stakeholders
- Govt okays transfer of DRDO's missile tech to defence industry in Aatmanirbharta push
- 'Three Teams, Equal Chances': UP Gen Z Cricketers Protest At Ekana Stadium For Greater Ranji Representation
9. Singapore
Singapore has emerged as an important part of India's cross-border digital payment initiatives, with UPI-enabled transactions offering greater convenience to users.10. Sri Lanka
UPI's expansion into Sri Lanka has further strengthened digital payment links between India and the neighbouring country.11. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is another major international market where UPI is operational, giving Indian visitors a familiar digital payment option in one of their most popular overseas destinations.How UPI Became A Pillar Of India's Digital Economy
UPI's success is not limited to the rapid growth in transaction numbers. The platform has become an important part of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) by providing a real-time and interoperable payment system.Its simple interface has helped bring digital financial services to a wider population. Users can make payments directly from their bank accounts without relying on traditional cash-based transactions.
The Ministry of Finance has described UPI as a major driver of financial inclusion, helping expand access to digital financial services and encouraging broader participation in the formal economy.
UPI At 10: PM Modi Recalls Its Transformative Journey
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also marked the 10th anniversary of UPI, recalling its role in changing India's digital payments landscape.Highlighting the scale and reach achieved by UPI over the past decade, Modi said its journey was something every Indian could be proud of. He also encouraged citizens to share their experiences of using UPI and explain how digital payments have affected their everyday lives.
What The Next Decade Could Mean For UPI
UPI's journey over the past 10 years has taken it from an Indian digital payment initiative to a platform with an expanding international footprint. With UPI now operational in 11 countries, its overseas presence could become increasingly relevant for Indian travellers and cross-border payments.As digital payments continue to evolve, UPI's combination of speed, convenience and interoperability has positioned it as one of India's most significant digital innovations of the past decade.
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now
