Key Highlights:
- Available to delegates from over 40 countries attending the Delhi summit.
- NPCI extends UPI One World wallet access to global delegates at India AI Impact Summit 2026.
- International visitors can pay via UPI without an Indian bank account or mobile number.
- Service supports real-time Person-to-Merchant payments across India.
The National Payments Corporation of India has rolled out UPI One World for international delegates attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The service allows foreign visitors to make real-time digital payments across India without an Indian bank account or mobile number. For delegates arriving from over 40 countries, it removes one of the biggest friction points of traveling in India — daily payments.
The rollout took place at Bharat Mandapam, the venue hosting the five-day global AI summit.
What is UPI One World?
UPI One World is a prepaid wallet designed specifically for inbound foreign travelers. It allows users to scan and pay at any UPI-enabled merchant in India. Importantly, it works without linking to a local bank account.
As a result, delegates can pay for transport, food, hotels, and services instantly. This matters because UPI dominates India’s retail payments ecosystem. Access to it means smoother movement, faster transactions, and fewer cash dependencies during large global events.
According to NPCI, the initiative also demonstrates how India’s digital public infrastructure can scale for global use cases.
How to use UPI One World?
The onboarding process is designed to stay simple. Delegates must download a supported issuer app and complete in-person verification using a valid passport and visa. The wallet is then issued on the visitor’s international mobile number.
Users can load Indian rupees by exchanging foreign currency or using international debit or credit cards. Once loaded, the wallet works like any UPI account at merchant outlets nationwide. Any unused balance can be encashed before departure.
These steps are outlined in NPCI’s official UPI One World guide UPI_One_World_Brochure.
What NPCI said at the AI summit
NPCI executive director Sohini Rajola said the move reflects India’s leadership in real-time payments. She stated that extending UPI One World to foreign guests offers them firsthand exposure to India’s digital payments ecosystem and homegrown technology. She also highlighted its relevance for future cross-border payment systems.
Why this rollout is important for future global events
Large international summits often struggle with payment accessibility for foreign visitors. By enabling UPI access without local banking, NPCI positions India as a frictionless destination for global conferences.
For delegates at the AI Impact Summit, UPI One World turns everyday payments into a seamless, digital-first experience—aligned with the event’s broader focus on global technology collaboration.
