UPI formally launched at Eiffel Tower in Paris | ActionPunjab

Paris, February 2: In a significant stride towards globalising the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the Indian Embassy in France formally launched UPI at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. The event was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to take UPI to a global level. The formal launch took place during the Republic Day reception held in France.

The Indian Embassy in France shared the momentous occasion on social media, stating, “UPI formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower at the huge Republic Day Reception. Implementing PM @narendramodi’s announcement & the vision of taking UPI global.”

The UPI is India’s mobile-based payment system that enables users to make round-the-clock payments through a virtual payment address. It integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, offering seamless fund routing, merchant payments, and various banking features.

In 2023, India and France made a commitment to foster collaborations and build a thriving ecosystem that empowers citizens in the digital century. An agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and France’s Lyra Collect paved the way for implementing UPI in France and Europe.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July the previous year, he announced the agreement to use the UPI payment mechanism, marking the beginning from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Indian tourists in France can now make payments in rupees through UPI.

Addressing the Indian community in Paris, PM Modi expressed, “India’s UPI and other digital platforms have brought a significant social transformation, and I am happy that India and France are working together in this direction. India and France have agreed to use UPI in France. I will leave after the agreement. However, it is your job to move forward. Friends, in the coming days its beginning will be made from Eiffel Tower, which means that Indian tourists will now be able to make payments in Rupees through UPI at Eiffel Tower.”

During French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day Parade, Macron and PM Modi used UPI for digital payments during their interaction at a tea stall in Jaipur. The moment showcased the practical implementation and global acceptance of India’s UPI digital payments system.

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