New Delhi, September 8 (HS): In a landmark move to facilitate seamless cross-border remittances, India will integrate its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The formal integration will be announced during the 28th Universal Postal Congress, scheduled from September 8 to 19 in the United Arab Emirates, in the presence of Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, who will lead the Indian delegation.

The initiative aims to connect India’s UPI with UPU’s international interconnection platform, enabling Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to transfer money directly, securely, and affordably to their families back home. The system is expected to be faster, more reliable, and cost-efficient, benefiting millions of households dependent on overseas remittances.

The Universal Postal Congress, which brings together representatives of 192 member countries, seeks to enhance global postal cooperation, innovation, and financial inclusion. For India, the highlight of participation will be the launch of the UPI-UPU integration project, hailed as a potential game-changer for cross-border financial transfers.

Secretary of the Department of Posts, Vandita Kaul, stated that India is committed to working with the global postal community towards building a more connected and inclusive future. She emphasized that the Congress provides an excellent platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, in which India is prepared to play a pivotal role.

During the conference, Scindia will also outline India’s vision of modernizing its postal services to become more inclusive and technology-driven. The delegation will engage with global counterparts to share expertise, explore new partnerships, and encourage adoption of technology-led innovations in the postal sector.

It is noteworthy that India has also submitted its candidature for the UPU’s Administrative Council and Postal Operations Council, with the objective of promoting a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable global postal system.

The UPU, a specialized UN agency, coordinates international postal policies and plays a vital role in fostering global cooperation in the postal and financial ecosystem.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar