India's UPI network expands to Cyprus, services to begin next year
New Delhi, May 22
India's Unified Payments Interface will become operational in Cyprus from next year, marking another major expansion of the country's digital payments ecosystem in Europe, according to the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday.
Addressing a media briefing, Sibi George said the rollout of UPI in Cyprus was one of the key outcomes of discussions held during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the Mediterranean nation in June 2025.
The launch follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between NPCI International Payments Limited and Eurobank Cyprus to facilitate cross-border payments using India's real-time payment platform.
Prime Minister Modi visited Cyprus on June 15-16, 2025, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to the country in over two decades.
During the visit, PM Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides held extensive discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, maritime security, defence, financial connectivity, technology, education and cultural exchanges.
The two leaders also participated in a business roundtable in Limassol and held delegation-level talks aimed at deepening India-Cyprus strategic ties.
According to the MEA, both countries agreed to work towards a comprehensive Joint Action Plan for 2025-29 to guide future bilateral cooperation.
The expansion into Cyprus adds to UPI's growing global presence. France became the first European country to adopt UPI, with services launched at the Eiffel Tower in February 2024.
Countries including United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan and Oman have also enabled UPI-based transactions or collaborations.
NIPL has additionally signed agreements with Peru, Namibia and Trinidad and Tobago to help build UPI-like digital payment systems in those countries.
Sibi George said the Cyprus visit held additional significance as it coincided with Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the European Union.
He also noted that Cyprus announced plans to open a trade office in Mumbai and reiterated its support for India's fight against cross-border terrorism.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Proud moment for India! From Eiffel Tower to Cyprus, UPI is truly going global. But I hope the government also focuses on improving UPI reliability within India during peak hours. Still, this is a big diplomatic win.
This is fantastic for NRIs and tourists. Cyprus is a beautiful country and now we can use our own payment system there. What a time to be an Indian! 🚀
Good move but I wish they'd also focus on making UPI work better in rural India first. Many villages still don't have proper internet connectivity. Digital expansion is great but let's not forget our own backyard.
Cyprus supporting India against cross-border terrorism - that's the most important takeaway here. 💪 Glad to see our diplomatic efforts bearing fruit. The trade office in Mumbai is a bonus too.
As an expat living in Europe, this news is amazing. UPI is way better than many European digital payment methods. Cyprus will definitely benefit from this. Well done India!
Another feather in India's cap! 🇮🇳 From France to Cyprus, UPI is truly taking over Europe. But I hope the government also ensures that data privacy and security are maintained in these cross-border transactions
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