India has become the world’s top player in real-time digital payments, largely due to the rapid growth of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), according to a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) note titled ‘Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability’.Launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India, UPI has revolutionised the country’s payment ecosystem by enabling users to link multiple bank accounts to a single mobile app and make instant transactions with ease. It has not only simplified peer-to-peer payments but also enabled millions of small businesses to accept digital payments at minimal cost.According to data from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), UPI now processes over 18 billion transactions every month, accounting for 85 per cent of India’s total digital payments. In June alone, the platform recorded 18.39 billion transactions worth Rs 24.03 lakh crore — a 32 per cent increase from June last year. With 491 million users and 65 million merchants onboard, UPI connects 675 banks through a single digital framework.“This shift has taken India away from cash and card-based payments and pushed it towards a digital-first economy,” noted the PIB in its latest background series. “Millions of individuals and small businesses now rely on UPI for safe and low-cost transactions. By making payments quick and accessible, UPI has become a powerful tool for financial inclusion.”The platform’s global footprint is expanding as well. UPI is now operational in seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, and Mauritius. Its debut in France marks UPI’s first foray into Europe, allowing Indians there to pay seamlessly without the usual hassles of foreign transactions.India is also pushing for UPI to be adopted within the BRICS grouping, which now includes six new member nations. As per the PIB, such an expansion “will improve remittances, boost financial inclusion and raise India’s profile as a global tech leader in digital payments.”The journey to this digital success was built on a strong foundation of financial inclusion. The Jan Dhan Yojana was a key enabler, bringing over 55.83 crore people into the formal banking system as of July 9. These accounts not only offer a secure way to receive welfare benefits but also encourage saving and digital financial habits.“These figures show more than just numbers. They reflect trust, convenience and speed. Every month, more individuals and businesses choose UPI for their payments. This growing use is a strong sign that India is moving steadily towards a cashless economy,” the PIB added.