UPI Goes Global: India and Bahrain Link Digital Payment Systems

In a major step towards financial integration, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has partnered with BENEFIT, Bahrain’s leading fintech company, to enable instant cross-border remittances between India and Bahrain.

Real-Time Money Transfers Between India and Bahrain

The new partnership connects India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Bahrain’s Electronic Fund Transfer System (EFTS) through the Fawri+ service. This link will allow individuals and businesses in both countries to send and receive money instantly and securely, reducing dependence on traditional, slower remittance methods.

The initiative will make transactions faster and more affordable for Indian expatriates in Bahrain, one of the Gulf countries with a large Indian population.

Developed Under Central Bank Guidance

The collaboration was developed under the supervision of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). It marks a key milestone in promoting digital financial inclusion and enhancing fintech cooperation between the two nations.

This effort reflects the broader goal of strengthening financial connectivity and expanding India’s growing influence in global digital payment systems.

Foundation Built on Earlier Agreements

The partnership builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NPCI and BENEFIT during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Bahrain in August 2019.

Further momentum was added during the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission Meeting in December 2024, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening fintech collaboration.

In 2025, discussions between Indian and Bahraini officials, including meetings with the Minister of Finance and National Economy and the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, helped finalize the roadmap for cross-border payment integration.

Strengthening Economic and People-to-People Ties

The new UPI-Fawri+ connection is expected to strengthen economic and social ties between India and Bahrain. It will support quicker fund transfers for Indian workers in Bahrain and streamline trade-related payments between businesses.

According to official data, India-Bahrain bilateral trade stood at USD 1.64 billion in FY 2024-25, while two-way investments exceeded USD 2 billion.

Read more: Upcoming Dividends in November 2025: RailTel, HUL, and GRSE, Among Others.

Conclusion

By connecting UPI with Bahrain’s Fawri+ system, India has taken another significant step toward expanding its global digital payment footprint. The partnership promises to simplify remittances, encourage financial inclusion, and strengthen the economic bridge between India and Bahrain.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.