RUPAY SERVICES BY OTHER COUNTRIES - INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND ECONOMY

News: Maldives to launch India's RuPay service amid bilateral tensions

 

What's in the news?

       Notwithstanding the turbulence in their bilateral ties, the Maldives will soon launch India's RuPay service, which a senior minister has said "will bolster the Maldivian Rufiyaa."

 

Key takeaways:

RuPay:

       RuPay is the first global card payment network in India.

       It is a combination of “Rupee” and “Payment,”

       It was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2012.

 

Objective:

       Create a domestic, open, and multilateral payment system, fulfilling the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) vision.

 

Features:

       It is widely accepted at ATMs, POS devices, and e-commerce websites throughout India.

       RuPay enables electronic payments across all Indian banks and financial institutions.

 

Reasons Behind the Maldives Decision to Adopt RuPay:

1. Strengthening Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR):

       The Maldivian government aims to make their currency, the Rufiyaa, stronger by using less US dollars in transactions with Indian tourists.

       This might make their economy more stable and could improve exchange rates.

 

2. Boost Bilateral Trade of Maldives:

       Facilitating rupee transactions could streamline payments between India and the Maldives, potentially encouraging more trade between the two countries.

 

3. Promote Tourism and Economic Linkages:

       Easier rupee transactions could incentivize Indian tourists to spend more freely in the Maldives, benefiting the Maldivian tourism industry, a major source of income for the country.

 

List of Countries that Accept Rupay:

       Bhutan

       Nepal

       Mauritius

       Singapore

       UAE