Indian citizens traveling to Uzbekistan will soon be able to make seamless digital payments using their familiar Unified Payments Interface (UPI) applications. This new facility allows Indian tourists, business travelers, and students to conduct person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions by simply scanning Uzbekistan's national interoperable QR code, UZQR.
Expanding UPI's Global Footprint
The National Payments Corporation of India's international arm, NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), has forged a commercial agreement with Uzbekistan's National Interbank Processing Centre JSC (NIPC), which operates the country’s national payment system, HUMO. This landmark agreement, formalized on August 30, marks a significant step in extending UPI's international presence.
Under this partnership, Indian visitors will no longer need to rely solely on cash or international cards, which often come with foreign exchange mark-ups. Instead, they can use their existing UPI-enabled apps, providing a convenient and cost-effective method for payments across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and services throughout Uzbekistan.
Regulatory Green Light
The initiative followed formal approvals from the financial regulatory bodies of both nations. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Uzbekistan (CBU) officially authorized HUMO to serve as NIPL’s partner for cross-border merchant acceptance. This regulatory clearance paved the way for the integration of India’s UPI with Uzbekistan’s national QR payment infrastructure.
Strengthening Digital Ties
Integrating UPI with Uzbekistan's mandated Unified National QR infrastructure ensures near-universal acceptance for UPI users at participating merchants. This collaboration is viewed as part of a broader cooperation between India and Uzbekistan on digital public infrastructure, contributing to strategic and economic objectives by enhancing digital payment connectivity.
Uzbekistan joins a growing list of countries where UPI is accepted, underscoring India's commitment to expanding its digital payment ecosystem globally. This network currently includes Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Greece.