India and Uzbekistan to link UPI and Humo payment systems

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — India and Uzbekistan have taken the first step toward linking their digital payment systems, with an agreement between India’s payment operator and Uzbekistan’s Humo payment system set to enable Indian tourists to use UPI-enabled applications in Uzbekistan, Sibi George, Secretary (West) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said at a press briefing following the Indian prime minister’s state visit to Uzbekistan.

According to George, an agreement was recently signed between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of India’s digital payment ecosystem, and Uzbekistan’s Humo payment system. “This represents an important first step towards establishing greater interoperability between the payment ecosystems of our two countries,” George said.

The diplomat said implementation of the agreement is expected within a year, after which Indian travellers visiting Uzbekistan will be able to use UPI-enabled applications.

He noted that the agreement is part of broader efforts to expand banking cooperation and payment infrastructure as the two countries elevate their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. It is also linked to the sides’ agreement to reduce trade barriers and develop more efficient regional supply chains.

According to George, introducing such interoperability mechanisms will reduce Indian tourists’ reliance on cash, currency exchange or international cards when travelling in Uzbekistan.