TBM Staff - Mumbai In a significant move towards fostering digital connectivity and financial cooperation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to launch Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius today. The virtual ceremony, scheduled at 1 pm IST, will see Prime Minister Modi connecting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Sunday, emphasizing the robust cultural and people-to-people linkages between India, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius. The launch aims to provide a faster and seamless digital transaction experience, enhancing digital connectivity between the countries.
Notably, the ceremony will also mark the launch of RuPay card services in Mauritius. The MEA stated, “The extension of RuPay card services in Mauritius will enable Mauritian banks to issue cards based on the RuPay mechanism in Mauritius and facilitate the usage of RuPay Cards for settlements both in India and Mauritius.”
Top Sri Lankan ministers expressed the importance of this move for reviving Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. In an interview with WION’s principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry highlighted the potential boost to tourism, stating, “I think by the next 12, the UPI payment gateway will be signed.” He expressed optimism that UPI availability in Colombo would positively impact Sri Lanka’s tourism.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged the economic significance of Indian tourists, stating, “Tourism helps our economy a lot, and Indian tourists coming in have been good.” Confirming that UPI implementation in Sri Lanka would happen “soon,” the President looks forward to the positive impact on both nations.
