NPCI plans AI-agent registry to enable verified UPI payments

NPCI is reportedly developing an AI-agent registry under a Unified Agentic Protocol, initially for UPI transactions. Agent-led checkout could begin with low-value grocery purchases, though rules on liability for unauthorised payments are still being defined.

— Source publishedThu, 10 Sept, 2026, 15:23 IST·First seen Thu, 10 Sept, 2026, 15:38 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) · NPCI is building an AI-agent registry under its planned Unified Agentic Protocol to verify agents making UPI

Key facts

  • Three sources

Why this matters

Evaluate partnerships or capability buys in agent identity, payment authorization and fraud controls as verified AI agents move from protocol concept to retail checkout use cases.