Trinidad And Tobago Joins UPI Network Through BHIM App

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has been famous for facilitating quick, real-time mobile payments, has made a global footprint. UPI was initially built to facilitate domestic digital payments, but today it is also facilitating cross-border payments in an easy, smooth, and inclusive manner. With its integration via the BHIM app, the system is now being used in various countries to facilitate Indian travellers, residents, and businesses.

The First Caribbean Nation To Join

Trinidad and Tobago and the world UPI network have officially joined hands by enabling UPI-based transactions using the BHIM app. It's the first nation from the Caribbean and the eighth internationally to adopt the payment infrastructure. This was announced in the recent wake of a diplomatic visit that sought to widen technology and economic ties between the two nations.

While in the country, the two nations entered into an agreement to collaborate on matters of digital public infrastructure such as UPI, DigiLocker, and e-sign systems. This digital handshake should enhance economic activity and daily convenience for consumers.

What This Means For Users

By taking this step, customers in Trinidad and Tobago can now conduct payments through the BHIM app in a manner similar to how UPI functions in India. They can scan QR codes, transfer money through UPI IDs, and facilitate cashless payment of goods and services. Indian tourists, traders, and expatriates in the country can now enjoy a more comfortable and streamlined payment system.

Boost To Bilateral Relations

The rollout of UPI is also being viewed as an improvement in enhancing India's economic and people-to-people relations with Trinidad and Tobago. It offers a handy medium for easier financial transactions and aids in the promotion of India's digital infrastructure worldwide. This venture can also inspire other Caribbean countries to opt for the same ties.

Countries Which Have Embraced UPI Till Date

1. Singapore

   India and Singapore linked their UPI and PayNow systems in February 2023, enabling instant and low-cost fund transfers between the two nations. This was one of UPI's earliest global integrations.

2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

   UPI services were rolled out in the UAE in 2021, allowing Indian travellers and residents to make payments at local merchants using QR-based transactions.

3. Nepal

   Nepal was the first foreign country to implement UPI as its indigenous payment system. The service is managed by a local partner under NPCI's supervision.

4. Bhutan

   Bhutan welcomed UPI in July 2021 and became one of the first countries to support BHIM UPI at merchant points. The service is a part of India's neighbourhood digital cooperation.

5. Mauritius

   Mauritius joined the UPI network in early 2024 to facilitate both person-to-person and merchant payments through Indian digital rails.

6. France

   France partnered with India for UPI acceptance in 2023, with the Eiffel Tower as a launch site for accepting UPI-based payments from Indian tourists.

7. Oman

   India and Oman agreed to enable UPI acceptance in late 2023 to benefit the Indian diaspora and tourists visiting the Gulf nation.