India holds back on UPI-Alipay+ linkup, stalling overseas pay for Indian travellers

Authorities are still weighing security and operational aspects of integrating UPI with Ant International's Alipay+ network. Approval would let Indian travellers pay via UPI at Alipay+ merchants across Asia and beyond. Apple Pay integration is not on the table.

— Source publishedThu, 18 Jun, 2026, 13:23 IST·First seen Thu, 18 Jun, 2026, 13:41 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

India has not decided on linking UPI with Ant International's Alipay+ network, with authorities still assessing security and operational aspects. If approved,

Why this matters

Watch for partnership windows with Ant International or regional PSPs that could front-run an eventual approval, and hedge with bilateral wallet tie-ups in top Indian outbound corridors.