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Technology Desk: Amidst the efforts of foreign companies to join India's strong digital payment network UPI, the government has currently stopped an important proposal. Singapore-based Ant International's digital payments platform Alipay+ had proposed to launch cross-border payments through UPI. However, this proposal has currently been put on hold due to concerns to national security and data protection.

The proposal was given in January

According to reports, Alipay+ had proposed to integrate with UPI in January. Its objective was to ease digital payments between India and other countries.

If this proposal was approved, it would have been possible to make payments on the Indian UPI system through foreign apps connected to the Alipay+ network. This will further increase the international reach of India's digital payment network.

Data security becomes the biggest concern

The main concern of the government and agencies is said to be national security and data security. Officials raised questions about where the financial and personal data of Indian users will be stored during transactions and how its security will be ensured.

Fears were also raised that sensitive financial information could reach a third party or another country. For this reason, security questions are being reviewed before approving the proposal.

Alipay+'s relation with China also became the reason

Alipay+ is operated by Singapore-based Ant International. This company has been associated with the fintech business of China's Ant Group and was established as a separate entity in 2024.

Although the company claims to operate independently from Singapore, its Chinese origins and long-standing business ties are also a matter of concern for Indian agencies.

At present, the government has not approved the UPI integration of Alipay+. Further decision on the proposal can be taken after reviewing security, data storage and other regulatory aspects.

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