On February 12, 2024, Sri Lanka and Mauritius widely wide-spread the debut of India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) machine, an actual-time price device that lets in users to ship cash between bank debts using their cellular phones. This sizable event highlights India's management in fintech and its collaboration with the Global South. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) designed UPI and went live in 2016. With over 3 billion transactions every month, it has grown into one of the most popular and commonly used payment options by numerous people in India.

The introduction of UPI in Mauritius and Sri Lanka will offer citizens of both nations with a more rapid, reasonably priced, and simple digital transaction experience. Additionally, it will make using hard currency and foreign exchange less essential and make using local currency for payments easier. Due to the ease with which Indian visitors and businesses can pay in Mauritius and Sri Lanka and vice versa, this will positively impact the tourism and business sectors. Furthermore, through giving people access to a secure and reliable payment system, UPI will contribute to financial inclusion and empowerment overall, particularly for underbanked and unbanked populations.

A further symbol of India's kindness and strategic alliance with the Indian Ocean area is the launch of UPI in Sri Lanka and Mauritius. India has been implementing the "neighborhood first" strategy into effect in an effort to strengthen relationships with its neighbors and foster development and peace in the region. By extending its fintech services to Sri Lanka and Mauritius, India has strengthened its position as an innovator and partner in the field. Increased connectedness and integration between the nations will be promoted by UPI, which will also open up new channels for international cooperation.

In addition to being a means of payment, UPI serves as a forum for fostering ties and bridges between the nations surrounding the Indian Ocean. This exemplifies how India is leveraging its digital public infrastructure to significantly improve the lives of millions of individuals, both domestically and internationally. It also serves as evidence of India's goal of an inclusive future for the region built on respect and trust between all parties. The new duty of bringing partners together with India is, in fact, UPI.