The 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, concluded on July 7, 2025, with India’s digital payment ecosystem, particularly the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), taking center stage as a transformative tool for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The summit, attended by leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside new members, emphasized digital innovation and financial inclusion, spotlighting UPI’s global expansion as a game-changer for NRIs managing finances in India.
UPI’s Global Reach: A Boon for NRIs
A significant highlight for NRIs is the recent rollout by IDFC FIRST Bank, enabling NRIs in 12 countries; Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK, and USA, to use UPI with their international mobile numbers. Launched on June 25, 2025, this feature eliminates the need for an Indian SIM, allowing NRIs with NRE or NRO accounts to make instant payments, pay bills, or scan QR codes via apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm, all without transaction fees.
This aligns with the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) broader push to globalize UPI, including the UPI One World wallet for foreign tourists and UPI Global Acceptance for QR-based payments at international merchants. The initiative has been particularly impactful for NRIs in regions like the UAE, where seamless money transfers are now possible without an Indian phone number.
India’s Digital Vision at BRICS 2025
During the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s commitment to leveraging digital infrastructure for global connectivity. In his address, he stated, “India’s UPI has revolutionized financial inclusion, and its global expansion is a testament to our vision of a connected, inclusive world. By empowering our diaspora with tools like UPI, we strengthen the bonds between India and its global family.”
PM Modi’s bilateral discussions, notably with Cuba and Malaysia, highlighted UPI’s potential for cross-border adoption, following Trinidad and Tobago’s integration of the platform. These efforts position UPI as a model for BRICS nations seeking efficient, low-cost digital payment systems, offering NRIs new avenues for financial engagement with India.
Why It Matters for NRIs
The global rollout of UPI offers NRIs unparalleled convenience:
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Simplified Transactions: NRIs can manage expenses in India, from utility bills to family support, without relying on costly remittance services.
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Financial Inclusion: With zero transaction fees and robust security via two-factor authentication, NRIs enjoy the same digital banking ease as Indian residents.
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Strengthened Ties: UPI’s accessibility fosters closer financial connections between NRIs and India, supporting the diaspora’s record $135.46 billion in remittances in 2024.
Ashish Singh, Head of Retail Liabilities at IDFC FIRST Bank, emphasized, “This is a milestone in making banking borderless for NRIs. Our UPI initiative reflects India’s digital leadership, ensuring our diaspora stays connected to their roots with ease and security.”
BRICS and Beyond: A Digital Future
The BRICS Summit also saw India championing the BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub, launched in January 2025, which fosters collaboration among tech ecosystems. For NRIs in tech-driven economies, this presents opportunities to engage with India’s burgeoning startup scene, particularly in fintech. Additionally, the summit’s focus on local-currency trade and digital regulation aligns with India’s push for UPI as a global standard, potentially easing cross-border transactions for NRIs in BRICS nations like Brazil and South Africa.
How NRIs Can Get Started
NRIs can activate UPI by linking their NRE/NRO accounts to their international mobile number via the IDFC FIRST Bank app or other UPI-enabled platforms. After generating a UPI ID and PIN, they can instantly transact using QR codes or app-based payments, ensuring a seamless financial experience.
Looking Ahead
As India prepares to assume the BRICS Chairship in 2026, its digital leadership is set to further amplify UPI’s global footprint. For NRIs, this means greater financial flexibility and opportunities to participate in India’s economic growth. The summit’s outcomes reinforce India’s role as a digital pioneer, bridging its diaspora with innovative tools like UPI.
For more details on how NRIs can leverage UPI with international SIMs, read our in-depth coverage: UPI Goes Global: NRIs Can Now Use International SIMs for Instant Payments. Also, explore the UAE’s new Golden Visa policy for Indians and NRIs: UAE’s New Golden Visa Policy for Indians and NRIs.
Stay tuned to NRI News Club for the latest updates on India’s global financial initiatives!