India's UPI Heads To Indonesia! PM Modi Announces Landmark Digital Payments Pact

India and Indonesia have taken a major step towards deepening their digital partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing that India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be integrated with Indonesia's payment system. Addressing a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday, PM Modi said the move would make business transactions and cross-border travel easier for citizens of both countries."We are delighted that India's UPI is set to be integrated with Indonesia's payment system. This will boost both the ease of doing business and the ease of travel," PM Modi said.The UPI announcement came as part of a broader set of agreements aimed at strengthening technology, education and innovation ties between

the two nations. Highlighting the role of young people in shaping future cooperation, PM Modi said India and Indonesia share a demographic advantage and are well-positioned to collaborate in emerging technologies."The 21st century is driven by technology. Both India and Indonesia are nations brimming with youthful energy, and our youth possess a natural aptitude for technology," he said.The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in sustainable farming and agro-technology, while finalising institutional partnerships and digital initiatives designed to empower the next generation and accelerate bilateral innovation.Elaborating on the strategic agreements signed between New Delhi and Jakarta, Prime Minister Modi added, "Today, we have signed a significant agreement to enhance technological cooperation among our youth in areas such as AI, telecommunications, and digital public infrastructure. We have also agreed to deepen startup collaboration between our two nations. We are going to establish a campus of India's prestigious management institute, IIM Bangalore, in Indonesia; this will greatly benefit the youth across the entire ASEAN region."The Prime Minister further noted that the strategic alignment extends beyond terrestrial innovation into advanced outer space exploration,highlighting a resilient foundation built over several generations. "We have shared a trusted, decades-long partnership in the space sector as well. Building upon this, key decisions regarding joint research, technology sharing, and capacity building in the space sector have been taken today," PM Modi said.

PM Modi in Jakarta

These comprehensive agreements follow a grand ceremonial welcome accorded to Prime Minister Modi in Jakarta earlier on Tuesday. The reception marked the formal commencement of his official visit to Indonesia, featuring horse-mounted guards, a ceremonial Guard of Honour, and enthusiastic crowds. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto personally received the Prime Minister, with the two leaders sharing a warm hug. Deploying everything from horse-mounted guards to vibrant traditional cultural performances, Indonesia rolled out a spectacular reception for PM Modi, who is currently on the initial leg of his threenation diplomatic visit.Beyond the official deliberations and policy frameworks, the Prime Minister's itinerary includes deep cultural and community engagements.During his stay, PM Modi will interact with members of the Indian diaspora community to reinforce grassroots connectivity. He will also accompany President Prabowo to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta.(With agency inputs)