India’s UPI Redraws Global Payment Map with 18 Billion Monthly Transactions

Image Source : Outlook Business

India’s Digital Leap

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has emerged as the world’s most-used real-time digital payment system, processing over 18.39 billion transactions worth Rs 24.03 lakh crore in June 2025 alone.

* UPI now powers nearly 50 percent of global real-time digital payments

* Handles over 640 million transactions daily, surpassing Visa’s global volume

* Serves 491 million individuals and 65 million merchants across 675 banks

Why UPI Works So Well

Launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI’s success stems from its simplicity, interoperability, and zero-cost structure.

* Users can link multiple bank accounts and transact instantly via mobile apps

* No transaction fees for users or merchants, encouraging mass adoption

* QR code support and multilingual interfaces make it accessible even in rural areas

Global Expansion and Strategic Impact

UPI is now live in seven countries including France, UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.

* France marks UPI’s debut in Europe, enabling seamless payments for Indian travelers

* India is advocating UPI’s adoption within the BRICS bloc to enable cross-border rupee transactions

* The IMF and World Bank have praised UPI as a model for inclusive digital infrastructure

Conclusion

UPI’s meteoric rise is not just a fintech triumph—it’s a geopolitical statement. As India sets new benchmarks in digital finance, its homegrown payment rail is reshaping how the world moves money.

Sources: NDTV, News18, Economic Times, IMF Report