India and Uzbekistan have begun integrating their digital payment systems. The international division of India's NPCI — NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) — has signed an agreement with the Uzbek system Humo. The agreement is expected to make payments between the two countries significantly more convenient.
After the project's implementation, Indian tourists will be able to use UPI-enabled applications to pay for goods and services in Uzbekistan. According to Sibi George, a representative of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the launch is expected within the next year.
The new system will allow travelers to abandon their usual reliance on cash, currency exchange, and international bank cards. In fact, Indian users will be able to make payments through their familiar digital infrastructure directly in Uzbekistan.
The agreement is seen as the first step towards deeper compatibility of the payment ecosystems of the two states. The initiative also aligns with India's and Uzbekistan's plans to expand banking cooperation, reduce trade barriers, and develop regional supply chains.