India has taken another significant step in expanding its globally recognized digital payment ecosystem. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Seychelles, India and Seychelles signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the island nation.
The agreement, signed between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and the Central Bank of Seychelles, will pave the way for secure, fast, and seamless digital payments for residents, businesses, and millions of international visitors—including Indian tourists.
The UPI agreement was among 19 bilateral cooperation agreements signed during the high-level visit, strengthening economic, technological, healthcare, maritime security, and development cooperation between the two countries.
Key Highlights
UPI to be introduced in Seychelles
Agreement signed between NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) and the Central Bank of Seychelles
Part of 19 cooperation agreements signed during PM Narendra Modi's visit
Indian tourists will eventually be able to pay using UPI-enabled apps
Supports secure QR-code based digital payments
Strengthens India-Seychelles fintech partnership
Expected to boost tourism and local businesses
What is the India-Seychelles UPI Agreement?
The newly signed MoU establishes the framework for integrating India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Seychelles' domestic financial ecosystem.
Once implementation is completed, Indian travelers will be able to make payments at participating merchants simply by scanning QR codes using popular UPI apps linked to their Indian bank accounts.
The initiative reflects India's growing effort to export its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model to friendly nations worldwide.
How Indian Tourists Will Benefit
For Indian travelers visiting Seychelles, the rollout of UPI promises a much more convenient travel experience.
Cashless Payments
Visitors will no longer need to carry large amounts of foreign currency for everyday purchases.
Instant QR Payments
Payments can be made directly through UPI-supported mobile applications by scanning merchant QR codes.
Faster Transactions
UPI enables real-time settlement, eliminating delays often associated with international card payments.
Reduced Foreign Exchange Hassles
Travelers may require less physical cash, making trips safer and more convenient.
Enhanced Security
UPI transactions are protected through multiple authentication layers, reducing fraud risks compared to carrying cash.
Benefits for Seychelles
The agreement is equally important for Seychelles.
It will help:
Modernize digital payment infrastructure
Promote financial inclusion
Encourage digital commerce
Improve payment convenience for tourists
Support local merchants and SMEs
Strengthen fintech collaboration with India
As tourism is one of Seychelles' biggest economic sectors, simplified payment systems are expected to improve visitor experiences.
Part of a Larger Strategic Partnership
The UPI agreement formed one component of a broader package of 19 bilateral outcomes announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
These agreements cover:
Digital Public Infrastructure
Defence cooperation
Maritime security
Healthcare
Capacity building
Climate resilience
Blue Economy initiatives
Education
Financial technology
Sustainable development
The growing partnership reflects India's continued commitment to strengthening ties with strategic partners in the Indian Ocean Region.
About NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL)
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) is the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Its mission is to expand Indian payment technologies—including UPI and RuPay—across global markets while promoting interoperability between international payment systems.
Countries Where UPI is Expanding
UPI's international footprint has expanded rapidly over the past few years.
Several countries have already introduced or are integrating UPI through partnerships, including:
Singapore
United Arab Emirates
France
Sri Lanka
Mauritius
Bhutan
Nepal
Oman
Qatar (selected merchant integrations)
Seychelles (newly announced)
More countries are currently evaluating UPI integration as part of India's Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives.
Why This Matters for Indian Travelers
International travel has become increasingly digital.
Modern tourists expect:
Cashless payments
Mobile wallets
QR-code transactions
Instant settlements
Secure banking
By expanding UPI globally, India is making overseas travel more convenient for millions of Indians while also promoting digital financial inclusion internationally.
For destinations like Seychelles, which attract a growing number of Indian tourists every year, the integration is expected to improve visitor convenience and increase spending through easier digital transactions.
How Will UPI Work in Seychelles?
Once operational, the process will be simple:
Open a supported UPI app.
Scan the merchant's QR code.
Enter the payment amount (if required).
Authenticate using your UPI PIN.
Receive instant payment confirmation.
The rollout timeline and participating banks or payment service providers will be announced after implementation is completed by the respective authorities.
FAQs
Has UPI already started working in Seychelles?
Not yet. India and Seychelles have signed the MoU, and implementation will begin following technical integration and regulatory approvals.
Who signed the agreement?
The agreement was signed between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and the Central Bank of Seychelles.
Can Indian tourists pay directly using Indian bank accounts?
Once operational, eligible Indian travelers are expected to make payments directly from their Indian bank accounts through UPI-enabled apps.
Why is this agreement important?
It promotes seamless digital payments, strengthens India-Seychelles cooperation, supports tourism, and expands India's Digital Public Infrastructure globally.
Conclusion
The India-Seychelles UPI agreement marks another milestone in India's journey toward becoming a global leader in digital payments. By bringing India's world-class Unified Payments Interface to one of the Indian Ocean's most popular island destinations, the partnership promises to make travel easier, safer, and more convenient for Indian tourists while helping Seychelles modernize its payment ecosystem.
As implementation progresses, Indian visitors can look forward to scanning QR codes instead of carrying cash, making holidays in Seychelles more seamless than ever. Alongside the 19 broader cooperation agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, this initiative underscores the growing strategic, economic, and technological partnership between the two nations.
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