Congress Questions PM Over UPI, Alleges Move to Open India's Digital Payments Sector to US Firms

New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday raised questions over the future of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), asking whether the Narendra Modi-led government is planning to dilute the country's flagship digital payments platform by opening the sector further to American businesses.

Addressing a press conference, Congress leaders alleged that recent policy developments and international discussions have created concerns about the government's approach towards India's digital payments ecosystem. The party asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify whether any proposal is under consideration that could alter the existing framework of UPI or provide greater access to foreign digital payment companies.

The Congress argued that UPI has emerged as one of India's biggest digital success stories, enabling billions of seamless transactions every month and significantly boosting financial inclusion across the country. It said any move that weakens the platform or reduces its strategic importance should be discussed transparently.

The opposition also questioned whether the government was considering policy changes following discussions on trade and investment between India and the United States. According to the Congress, such decisions could have long-term implications for India's digital sovereignty and fintech ecosystem.

The party urged the Centre to make its position clear and reassure citizens that India's digital payment infrastructure would continue to remain secure and under domestic regulatory oversight.

The BJP-led government has consistently maintained that UPI is a globally recognised digital public infrastructure developed in India and has promoted its expansion both within the country and internationally. UPI has been integrated with payment systems in several countries, strengthening India's position as a leader in digital financial innovation.

As of now, the Central Government has not announced any decision to dilute UPI or transfer control of the digital payments ecosystem to foreign companies. The Congress' remarks represent the opposition's political criticism and call for clarification, while the government is yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations.

The issue comes amid continued debate over India's digital economy, fintech regulation and international cooperation in the financial technology sector.