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In a major step towards further internationalizing Indian digital payments, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese company NTT Data for UPI (Unified Payments Interface) acceptance. According to an NPCI statement, this partnership will enable Indian tourists to make payments by scanning QR codes using UPI apps at merchant locations acquired by NTT Data in Japan. This will make the payment experience easier and simpler for Indian tourists. NPCI stated, "This agreement lays the foundation for a strategic partnership and is a significant step towards UPI acceptance in the Japanese market. It aims to enhance the digital payment experience for Indian tourists."

Convenience
Indian tourists will no longer need to learn different foreign payment apps; payments will be made using their familiar UPI app.

Security
QR code-based payments are secure and trackable, reducing the risk of foreign currency fraud.

Business Benefits
NTT Data's acquired merchants will also be able to better serve their customers through the new digital payment channel. The company is a key player in the Japanese payments ecosystem and operates CAFIS, Japan's largest card payment processing network. NPCI and NTT Data will work together to enable UPI acceptance at acquired merchant locations across Japan.

Tourism Boost
More than 208,000 Indian tourists visited Japan between January and August 2025, a 36% increase compared to the previous year. Features like UPI will simplify travel and shopping, boosting tourism. Ritesh Shukla, MD and CEO of NPCI International, said, "This agreement with NTT Data will lay a strong foundation for UPI acceptance in Japan. This partnership is an important step towards improving the digital payment experience for Indian travelers and simplifying cross-border payments."

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