Paris: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was officially launched at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, as announced by the Indian Embassy in France on Friday. This initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to globalize UPI. The formal launch took place during the Republic Day gathering in France.
A post on X from the Indian Embassy in France stated, “UPI officially launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower during the grand Republic Day Celebration. Implementing PM @narendramodi’s declaration & the vision of taking UPI global.”
UPI is India’s mobile-based payment system that enables individuals to make 24/7 payments through a virtual payment address created by the user. It consolidates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), integrating various banking features, seamless fund routing, and merchant payments.
In 2023, India and France committed to fostering a thriving environment and building collaborations that empower their citizens and ensure their full participation in the digital century, according to the India-France joint statement. NPCI Global Payments Limited (NIPL) and France’s Lyra Collect signed an agreement to implement the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in France and Europe.
During his visit to France in July last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the agreement to deploy the UPI payment system, starting from the iconic Eiffel Tower. PM Modi mentioned that Indian visitors in France can now make payments in rupees.
Addressing the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris on July 14, PM Modi stated, “Whether it’s India’s UPI or other digital platforms, they have brought about a significant social change in the country, and I am pleased that India and France are also collaborating in this direction. India and France have agreed to use UPI in France. I will formalize the agreement, but it is your responsibility to progress. Friends, in the coming days, it will commence from the Eiffel Tower, which means that Indian tourists can now make payments in Rupees through UPI at the Eiffel Tower.”
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron visited India to attend the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest. During his visit, Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a tea stall and engaged in conversation over a cup of tea in Jaipur. Macron used UPI to make a payment there. Earlier, PM Modi explained the UPI digital payments system to Macron as the two leaders visited a local shop during their tour of Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.
Days after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the BJP was attempting to “purchase” seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs to destabilize his government, sources revealed that officers from the Delhi Police Crime Department arrived at the Chief Minister’s residence to deliver a notice in the case.
Mr. Kejriwal had accused the BJP of offering ₹25 crore each to sway seven of his MLAs, prompting the BJP to file a police complaint in response.
The Delhi Police operates under the jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry.
Facing challenges in winning elections in Delhi, the BJP has been accused by the ruling party in Delhi of resorting to “nefarious schemes” to undermine the Arvind Kejriwal government.
