Google Pay Teams Up with NPCI for Global UPI Expansion
Revolutionizing Cross-Border Payments, Google Pay Paves the Way for a Cashless World
23 January 2024
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Kunal Tyagi
Google Pay collaborates with NPCI Payments International Limited for global expansion of UPI services.
Users can conduct UPI transactions and pay foreign merchants directly in local currency, eliminating the need for international cards.
The MoU focuses on enhancing UPI payments for international travelers, establishing digital payment systems globally, and simplifying cross-border.
Google Pay, the popular digital payment application, is gearing up for a significant global expansion by collaborating with NPCI Payments International Limited (NPIL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The strategic move aims to extend the reach and impact of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) beyond Indian borders, promising users seamless payment experiences during international travel. This marks a paradigm shift in the way users make transactions abroad, eliminating the need for international cards and reducing foreign currency transaction fees.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Google India Digital Services and NPCI International Payments Ltd outlines key benefits for Google Pay users. They will now have the ability to conduct UPI transactions and pay foreign merchants directly in the local currency, revolutionizing the way international payments are made. This feature is currently available in countries where UPI is operational, including Singapore, Australia, Canada, the USA, and others. The move positions Google Pay among the prominent players facilitating peer-to-peer (P2P) remittances through UPI.
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The objectives of the MoU are clear and multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to enhance the use of UPI payments for travelers outside of India, enabling them to make transactions conveniently abroad. Secondly, the collaboration seeks to establish UPI-like digital payment systems in other countries, providing a model for seamless financial transactions globally. Lastly, it focuses on simplifying cross-border financial exchanges by utilizing the UPI infrastructure, streamlining the process of remittances between countries.
Deeksha Kaushal, Director of Partnerships at Google Pay India, highlighted the transformative power of UPI, stating, “UPI has demonstrated to the world the step change that happens in economies with the introduction of interoperable, population-scale digital infrastructure.” The collaboration between Google Pay and NPCI International Payments is a testament to their commitment to making payments simple, safe, and convenient.
In 2023, UPI in India recorded a staggering 117.6 billion transactions, showcasing its exponential growth compared to previous years. The MoU between Google India Digital Services and NPCI International Payments is a significant step towards expanding UPI payments globally, making it a viable option for international travelers and promoting a seamless cross-border payment experience. This move positions Google Pay alongside other major players in the digital payments landscape, solidifying its role in shaping the future of international financial transactions.