Paris, France — In a significant step toward strengthening digital payment connectivity between India and France, India’s popular Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will soon be available at major airports in Paris, including Charles de Gaulle Airport and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, according to an announcement made by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday.
The development comes shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to France, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two nations in areas such as technology, innovation, trade, and digital infrastructure.
UPI, India’s real-time digital payment system, has already been introduced at the iconic Eiffel Tower, allowing Indian tourists to make seamless payments directly from their Indian bank accounts. Officials confirmed that the service will now be expanded to key transportation hubs and additional cities across France.
A Major Convenience for Indian Travelers
The introduction of UPI services at Paris airports is expected to make travel significantly easier for Indian visitors. Travelers will be able to pay for airport services, shopping, dining, transportation, and other purchases using their mobile phones without needing currency exchange or international credit cards.
The airports set to receive UPI services include:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Officials indicated that the rollout could later extend to additional French airports and commercial centers.
Strengthening India-France Digital Cooperation
The expansion reflects the increasing global acceptance of India’s digital payment ecosystem. Over the past few years, UPI has become one of the world’s most successful instant payment platforms, processing billions of transactions each month.
By integrating UPI into French infrastructure, both countries aim to:
- Enhance cross-border digital payments
- Promote tourism and business travel
- Improve convenience for Indian visitors
- Strengthen India-France economic ties
- Showcase India’s growing leadership in financial technology (FinTech)
Part of UPI’s Global Expansion Strategy
India has been actively working to expand UPI internationally. The payment system is already available in several countries and regions, helping Indian travelers make payments abroad using familiar mobile applications.
The France expansion is viewed as another milestone in India’s effort to transform UPI into a globally accepted payment network.
Looking Ahead
With UPI set to arrive at Paris’ busiest airports and potentially other French cities in the near future, Indian travelers will enjoy a smoother and more connected travel experience. The move also symbolizes the deepening partnership between India and France, driven by innovation, technology, and digital transformation.
As both nations continue to strengthen cooperation, the wider adoption of UPI in France could become a model for future digital payment partnerships across Europe.
