Is Scindia's UPI–UPU Integration the Future of Cross-Border Remittances?

Dubai, Sep 9 (NationPress) The Minister for Communications in India, Jyotiraditya Scindia, inaugurated the UPI–UPU Integration project at the 28th Universal Postal Congress, marking a pivotal step to revolutionize cross-border remittances for countless individuals globally.

This initiative, orchestrated by the Department of Posts (DoP), NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), merges India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the UPU Interconnection Platform (IP), fusing the extensive reach of the postal system with the rapid and cost-effective nature of UPI.

Scindia articulated, “The dependability of the postal system combined with the swiftness of UPI allows families across borders to transfer funds more quickly, securely, and at significantly reduced costs. This initiative exemplifies how public infrastructure created for citizens can be interconnected internationally to enhance global welfare.”

The Minister further declared that India would provide financial assistance of $10 million during this cycle to leverage technology for innovation, particularly emphasizing e-commerce and digital payments.

In alignment with the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', he affirmed India’s availability of resources, expertise, and friendship.

He presented India’s vision for a contemporary, inclusive postal sector aimed at “connecting through seamless data-driven logistics; including by offering accessible digital financial services to every migrant and digital enterprise; modernizing with AI, DigiPIN, and machine learning; and collaborating through South–South partnerships with a UPU-supported technical cell.”

The Minister underscored that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the 'Digital India' initiative, India Post exemplifies the potential for scale and inclusivity.

“With Aadhaar, Jan Dhan, and India Post Payments Bank, we have established over 560 million accounts, predominantly in women’s names. Last year, India Post successfully delivered over 900 million letters and parcels. This represents the magnitude and ethos of inclusion we present on the global stage,” Scindia elaborated.

He also announced India’s candidacy for the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council of the UPU, reaffirming its dedication to creating a connected, inclusive, and sustainable future for the international postal community.

In concluding his address at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai, he stated, “India approaches you not merely with proposals but with a commitment to partnership. We advocate for resilience, facilitating interoperable solutions that prevent costly fragmentation, and fostering trust by connecting payments, identity, and logistics to ensure seamless global commerce.”