With over 500 million users, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become more than just a technological innovation it’s now a daily habit for hundreds of millions of Indians. Acting as a crucial bridge to the formal economy, UPI is helping bring underserved populations into the financial mainstream. At the Carnegie Global Technology Summit, Sujith Nair, CEO and Co-Founder of the Foundation for Interoperability in Digital Economy (FIDE), captured this transformation succinctly, stating that UPI has evolved into a “population-scale habit.” Nair emphasized the broader significance of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), highlighting how it opens doors for individuals, small businesses, and entire communities to engage more fully with the formal economy. According to him, DPI is not just about tech it’s about creating opportunities and ensuring inclusivity by connecting the government, private sector, and citizens. This collaborative approach is designed to leave no one behind.
One of the most compelling illustrations of this is the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a decentralized e-commerce platform that gives local shopkeepers and service providers greater autonomy. By reducing reliance on traditional intermediaries, ONDC allows users to participate in the digital economy on their own terms. It’s also enabling access to critical services like loans and insurance, especially for groups such as drivers and gig workers, thereby promoting deeper financial inclusion. India’s digital infrastructure model, built on pillars like Aadhaar and UPI, has drawn international attention, particularly during the country’s G20 presidency. Other nations are beginning to take note. Countries like Nigeria and Malawi are implementing digital identity systems and payment platforms to stimulate development, while Papua New Guinea is exploring improved digital connectivity, even as it addresses cybersecurity concerns.
While the momentum is undeniable, Nair acknowledged that global adoption of DPI is not without its challenges. Issues such as data privacy, governance, and technical interoperability must be addressed to make these systems work across borders. Still, through bilateral cooperation and knowledge-sharing, India is paving the way for global collaboration on digital public infrastructure.Ultimately, Nair’s remarks reflect a growing global consensus, DPI is not just a tool for financial acces it’s a catalyst for broader economic participation and social resilience. As countries around the world look to build inclusive, scalable digital ecosystems, India’s model offers a powerful example of how digital transformation can reach everyone, everywhere.
