UPI Goes Island-Hopping: Trinidad and Tobago Joins India’s Digital Payment Wave

UPI Goes Island-Hopping: Trinidad and Tobago Joins India’s Digital Payment Wave

In a landmark move, Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean country to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) that enables simple digital payments using the BHIM app. The news was announced on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the island nation on July 3–4, which was a landmark in India's fintech diplomacy.

Integration Highlights

Trinidad and Tobago nationals will be able to use India's BHIM app for UPI-based payments, with cross-border transactions facilitated and streamlined

The collaboration includes the deployment of India Stack solutions like DigiLocker, e-Sign, and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

The project will enhance the electronic public infrastructure and financial inclusion within the Caribbean region

Diplomatic Momentum

PM Modi's visit was the first Indian Prime Minister's bilateral visit to Trinidad and Tobago in 26 years

The visit followed the 180th anniversary of Indians' arrival, once again cementing close cultural bonds

Modi received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation's highest civilian award

Digital Expansion: The UPI Club So Far With Trinidad and Tobago's addition, UPI now operates in eight nations:

France – The first of the European nations to adopt UPI, starting with ticketing for the Eiffel Tower

United Arab Emirates – Enabling QR-based UPI payments at premier malls and retail outlets

Bhutan – First nation to adopt BHIM UPI QR payments, encouraging tourism and commerce

Nepal – Cross-border UPI transactions enabled with partnership with Fonepay

Mauritius – Joint launch of UPI and RuPay card facilities by PMs of the two nations

Sri Lanka – UPI introduced along with Mauritius to deepen digital linkages

Singapore – UPI combined with domestic payment platforms for QR-based transactions Trinidad and Tobago – Newest addition and very first in the Caribbean to be part of the UPI network

Strategic Outlook

Its growth represents India's aspiration to globalize its digital public infrastructure

Other nations such as Argentina and Namibia are also considering UPI integration, indicating increased interest worldwide

The initiative is increasing India's soft power and positioning it as a fintech leader in inclusive innovation

Sources: Hindustan Times, MSN India, Republic World, UNI India, Navbharat Times, The Hindu BusinessLine, ANI News