1, Sep 2026
Landmark India Book Market Report 2026–2030 to Be Unveiled on 3rd September by FIP and NielsenIQ BookData
New Delhi, Sept 01: The Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP), in collaboration with NielsenIQ BookData, today announced the release of the India Book Market Report 2026-2030, a comprehensive study mapping the scale, structure, transformation and future growth opportunities of India’s book publishing industry.
Building on the landmark India Book Market Report released in 2022, the new edition looks ahead to the forces likely to reshape publishing over the remainder of the decade, including Artificial Intelligence, digitisation, new distribution models, the growth of Indian-language markets and India’s expanding role in the global publishing ecosystem.
The report analyses print and digital trends including e-books and audiobooks across school, higher education, trade and scholarly publishing. It also evaluates the sector’s economic impact, employment, technology adoption, copyright and licensing and the evolving policy environment.
This study combines extensive industry research, stakeholder consultations and market intelligence to help publishers, policymakers, investors, educational institutions, technology companies, authors, booksellers, libraries, and other stakeholders make more informed data driven decisions.
Data as Infrastructure for the Industry
Pranav Gupta, Vice President, Federation of Indian Publishers and Project Leader, India Book Market Report 2026-2030, said:
“Publishing has always been fundamental to India’s intellectual, educational and cultural progress. But an industry of this scale and strategic importance cannot plan its future on perception or anecdotal evidence alone. It needs credible data, continuous research and an evidence base that policymakers, businesses and institutions can confidently work with.”
“For us, the India Book Market Report 2026-2030 is therefore much more than a report. It is an industry infrastructure project. It attempts to create a common factual foundation from which we can discuss growth, investment, copyright, technology, education, Indian languages, exports and public policy. As India moves towards becoming one of the world’s leading knowledge economies, publishing must be recognised not simply as a commercial industry, but as an essential pillar of that ambition.”
Gupta added:
“The real value of data begins when it improves decisions. We hope this report helps move conversations about Indian publishing from assumptions to evidence and from evidence to meaningful action.”
Bringing Greater Market Intelligence to a Rapidly Evolving Sector
Vikrant Mathur, Executive Director, NielsenIQ BookData, India & GCC, said:
“India represents one of the most exciting and complex publishing markets in the world. Its scale, demographic profile, education ecosystem, linguistic diversity and increasing adoption of technology create significant opportunities, but they also make reliable market intelligence essential.”
“The India Book Market Report 2026-2030 brings together research and industry insight to provide a clearer understanding of how the market is evolving and where future opportunities may emerge. From print and digital formats to education, Indian languages, Artificial Intelligence, policy and international engagement, this report seeks to give stakeholders a comprehensive perspective on the forces shaping Indian publishing through 2030.”
Mathur further said:
“Reliable data enables businesses to invest with greater confidence, allows policymakers to frame better-informed interventions and helps the international publishing community understand India more accurately. We believe this report can serve as an important reference point for all three.”
From India to the Global Publishing Conversation
Following its national launch in New Delhi on 3 September 2026, the findings of the India Book Market Report 2026-2030 are also expected to contribute to the international conversation around Indian publishing, including at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2026.
As global publishers, technology companies, educational organisations, and investors look to India, the report offers a more structured, evidence-led view of the country’s domestic publishing ecosystem and its international potential.
The Federation of Indian Publishers published the report, and NielsenIQ BookData prepared it.
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- By Neel Achary
1, Sep 2026
Festive Shopping Set to Lift GST Collections as Consumer Spending Gains Strength
New Delhi, Sep 1: India’s GST collections are expected to gain further momentum in the coming months as festive-season shopping and stronger consumer spending support economic activity.
Industry experts believe higher spending during the festive period could translate into stronger GST revenues, particularly across sectors such as automobiles, consumer electronics, retail, FMCG and other discretionary categories.
India’s gross GST collections rose 14.8 per cent year-on-year to nearly Rs 2 lakh crore in August 2026, while net collections increased 8.3 per cent after accounting for refunds. The latest numbers indicate continued strength in economic activity and tax compliance.
The upcoming festive season is expected to provide another boost as households typically increase spending on products and services. Stronger consumption can benefit businesses across the supply chain, from manufacturers and wholesalers to retailers, logistics companies and digital payment providers.
The outlook is also supported by India’s broader economic performance. The economy grew 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter, with consumption and private investment contributing to the expansion.
For businesses, stronger festive demand could improve sales volumes and provide a positive start to the second half of the financial year. For the government, higher GST collections would strengthen revenue flows and provide greater fiscal flexibility.
However, global risks remain a factor to watch. Elevated crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures could affect household budgets and business costs if they persist.
With consumer sentiment showing resilience, industry experts expect the festive season to play an important role in sustaining India’s consumption momentum and supporting GST revenue growth in the months ahead.
1, Sep 2026
Force Motors Reports 62 percentage Growth in Domestic Wholesales in August 2026
Mumbai, Sep 01: Force Motors Limited, India’s largest van maker and an automotive manufacturer, reported total domestic sales of 3,721 units in August 2026, registering a strong 62% growth compared to 2,295 units sold in August 2025. The strong growth reflects healthy demand across the company’s vehicle segments, with customers responding positively to its diverse product portfolio.
A key highlight of the recent period has been the introduction of the new Force Traveller N and Urbania Deluxe, both of which have received an encouraging response from the market. Following the initial scale-up of these new offerings, volumes have stabilised since launch, enabling the company to meet market demand with greater consistency. The Traveller N builds on the strong legacy of the Traveller, while the Urbania Deluxe further strengthens Force Motors’ presence in the premium shared mobility segment.
Commenting on the performance, Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors Limited, said,
“The strong growth in August is encouraging and reflects the positive response we are seeing across our portfolio. The recent introduction of the Traveller N and Urbania Deluxe has further strengthened our product offering, and we are pleased with the response from our customers.
We will continue to stay close to our customers, understand their needs and keep improving our products to serve them better. As we build on this momentum, our focus will remain on delivering the right products and experiences, while continuing to execute with consistency.”
1, Sep 2026
Singapore Market Update: STI Falls Nearly 1 pc as Oil Surge Hits Sentiment
Singapore, Sep 1: Singapore’s stock market came under pressure on Tuesday as rising crude oil prices and continued geopolitical tensions made investors more cautious.
The Straits Times Index (STI) ended the session at 5,710.37, down 44.99 points, or 0.8 per cent, from the previous close. The index moved between 5,694.39 and 5,770.33 during the day.
The decline followed a weaker trend across several Asian markets as investors assessed the possible economic impact of higher energy prices and growing uncertainty in global markets.
Rising oil prices remained a major concern. Higher energy costs can increase expenses for companies, put pressure on consumers and add to inflation, potentially influencing the outlook for interest rates.
Geopolitical tensions also kept investors on edge, encouraging a more cautious approach to riskier assets. Market participants are closely watching developments in the Middle East for signs of further disruption to global energy supplies.
Despite the overall decline, some Singapore-listed companies saw positive corporate developments. Hong Leong Asia gained nearly 2 per cent after its subsidiary renewed its application for a listing on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Keppel DC REIT also remained in focus after agreeing to acquire an 88.62 per cent effective stake in two hyperscale data centres in Japan, strengthening its exposure to the growing digital infrastructure sector.
Vibrant Group announced the acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Fair Breeze Trading for around SG$7.7 million.
Looking ahead, investors are expected to closely track crude oil movements, global interest rates, bond yields and geopolitical developments. With external uncertainties still high, Singapore’s stock market may remain volatile in the near term.
The market’s direction will largely depend on whether oil prices stabilise and global risk sentiment improves.
1, Sep 2026
Chennai Gears Up for the Fourth Edition of HCL Cyclothon
Chennai, Sep 01: HCL Group, a US Dollar 14.8 billion global conglomerate, announced the launch of the 2026 edition of HCL Cyclothon Chennai, scheduled for October 11, 2026. The event is being organised in association with Tamil Nadu Government, being powered by Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and under the aegis of Cycling Federation of India. HCL Cyclothon Chennai will bring together professional and amateur cyclists for a competitive and community-driven celebration of cycling in Chennai. Registrations for the event are open now and will close on September 27, 2026.
The Chennai edition will feature a Professional Elite Road Race, Amateur Road Race, Amateur MTB Race and Green Ride, catering to cyclists across different levels of experience and interests. The Professional Elite Road Race will cover 54 km, while the Amateur Road Race will be held across 54 km and 28 km categories. The Amateur MTB Race will cover 28 km, while the non-competitive Green Ride will cover 10 km. The event will offer a total prize purse of ₹33.6 lakh, including ₹15 lakh for the Professional Elite Road Race, ₹12.6 lakh for the Amateur Road Race and ₹6 lakh for the Amateur MTB Race.
The Professional Elite Road Race is open to cyclists aged 18–40 years and will be conducted as a mass-start race. Participation in the professional category will be through the Cycling Federation of India. The Amateur Road Race will have age categories of 18–30, 30–40, 40–50 and 50+ years, with separate prizes for men and women. The Amateur MTB Race will also feature the same age groups.
Commenting on the announcement, Nikhil Soni, AGM- Marketing, HCL Group, said,
“HCL Cyclothon continues to provide a platform for cyclists across diverse levels to participate, compete and experience the sport. With the yet another Chennai edition, we look forward to bringing the cycling community together once again and encouraging more people to take up cycling as part of an active lifestyle. Through initiatives such as HCL Cyclothon, we remain committed to creating opportunities for people to engage with sport and build healthier communities.”
The event will also include the Green Ride, a 10 km non-competitive ride that is open to participants using any type of bicycle. The initiative is designed to encourage wider participation in cycling beyond competitive racing.
The HCL Cyclothon Chennai 2026 will also follow defined technical guidelines for participating bicycles. Road, hybrid, gravel and MTB bicycles are permitted across the relevant categories, subject to category-specific specifications. Participants using bicycles outside the permitted specifications may participate but will not be eligible for prize money.
1, Sep 2026
Matrix Geo Completes 314 km Geospatial Survey Across Five Highway Sections for RITES and NHAI
New Delhi, Sep 1: Matrix Geo Solutions Limited, a geospatial technology and engineering consultancy, has completed a highway survey assignment spanning approximately 314 km across five road sections under LOT-2/HARYANA/Package-1. The project was awarded by RITES Limited, a Navratna Enterprise of the Government of India under the Ministry of Railways, on behalf of the National Highways Authority of India .
The assignment was part of consultancy services for preparing a Detailed Project Report for the development of economic corridors, inter-corridor and feeder routes aimed at improving freight movement efficiency in India. Matrix Geo Solutions was responsible for mapping the physical, utility and land-related characteristics required across the identified highway sections.
The work combined several survey technologies within one assignment. Topographic data was captured using Aerial/Mobile LiDAR and UAV systems, while Ground Penetrating Radar was used for utility mapping. The scope also covered Final Location Survey, land acquisition support and digitization of cadastral maps.
The five road sections covered were Rewari–Narnaul–Pacheri Kalan on NH-11, Narnaul–Nangal Chaudhary–Paniyala Mor on NH-148B, Gurgaon–Pataudi–Rewari on NH-352W, Sangat Kalan–Mandi Dabwali–Sangaria on NH-54, and Bhiwani–Bawani Khera–Hansi–Barwala on NH-148B.
The assignment was executed with a contract value of ₹2,82,64,571 including GST. RITES Limited has now issued an Experience/Completion Certificate dated 21 August 2026, confirming the successful and satisfactory completion of the work.
Commenting on the completion, Mr. Rahul Jain, Managing Director, Matrix Geo Solutions Limited, said,
“Projects of this scale and duration require consistency, coordination and attention to detail throughout their execution. I would like to thank everyone involved for their contribution in bringing this assignment to completion. The work required sustained coordination across field surveys, data processing and project requirements over an extended period. Ensuring that each stage was executed with the required accuracy and discipline was central to completing the assignment successfully.”
For a project of this nature, the challenge extends beyond collecting survey data. Different datasets need to remain spatially consistent so that terrain information, underground utilities, road alignments and cadastral records can be used within the same project framework. This was particularly relevant given the length and varied nature of the five road sections covered under the assignment.
The completed assignment adds to Matrix Geo Solutions’ experience in large-scale highway surveying and geospatial mapping. It also represents an integrated use of aerial, mobile and ground-based technologies for infrastructure project preparation, where accurate spatial information is required across multiple stages of planning and development.
1, Sep 2026
ISM 2.0: How India’s Semiconductor Ambition Could Transform Its Manufacturing Economy
The race to build a strong semiconductor industry is no longer just about technology. For India, it is increasingly about jobs, investment, manufacturing strength and economic security.
With the launch of the second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission, or ISM 2.0, the government is seeking to build an ecosystem that goes far beyond chip factories. The programme, with an outlay of around Rs 1.27 lakh crore, covers everything from chip design and fabrication to packaging, equipment, materials, research and skilled manpower.
The timing is significant. Semiconductors have become the backbone of the modern economy. Almost every major technology product — from smartphones and cars to computers, telecom equipment and artificial intelligence systems — depends on chips.
For India, developing the ability to make more of these critical components at home could reduce supply-chain risks while creating a new engine of industrial growth.
From Designing Chips to Making Them
India already has a strong reputation for semiconductor design and engineering talent. Many global technology companies rely on Indian engineers for chip design and related research.
The bigger challenge has been developing manufacturing capabilities on a comparable scale.
ISM 2.0 attempts to close that gap. Instead of concentrating only on semiconductor fabrication plants, the programme looks at the entire chain required to make the industry work.
That includes the factories where chips are produced, the facilities that package and test them, and the companies that supply specialised equipment, chemicals, gases, wafers and other materials.
This matters because a semiconductor factory cannot operate in isolation. It needs a network of suppliers, engineers, researchers, logistics providers and technology companies around it.
Building that network could create a much wider economic impact than the construction of individual chip plants.
A New Investment Opportunity
The scale of the proposed investment shows why semiconductors are becoming an important part of India’s industrial strategy.
The government expects ISM 2.0 to attract around Rs 4 lakh crore in cumulative investment and support semiconductor production worth about Rs 2 lakh crore. It also aims to generate nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in exports during the scheme period.
If these targets are achieved, the impact could spread across several parts of the economy.
Construction companies could benefit from new industrial projects, while manufacturers of equipment and specialised materials could find new domestic customers. Logistics, engineering, power, water management and industrial services could also see increased demand.
For Indian businesses, this creates an opportunity to become part of a supply chain that has traditionally been dominated by a small number of global manufacturing centres.
Why Jobs Matter
Semiconductors are often associated with highly automated factories, but the industry still requires a large pool of specialised professionals.
India will need engineers, technicians, researchers and managers with expertise in chip design, manufacturing, testing, packaging, equipment and materials.
The government expects the programme to create around 50,000 to 60,000 direct jobs, with additional employment likely to come from supporting industries.
The bigger opportunity could be the creation of a specialised talent base that remains in demand across the technology sector for years.
For young engineers and technology professionals, the growth of the semiconductor ecosystem could open career opportunities in areas that have traditionally been concentrated in countries such as Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and the United States.
The Ripple Effect Across Industries
The importance of semiconductors becomes clearer when looking beyond the technology sector.
Modern automobiles use chips for everything from safety systems and navigation to electric powertrains and driver-assistance technologies. Consumer electronics depend on increasingly sophisticated processors and memory components. Telecom networks require advanced semiconductor equipment, while artificial intelligence is driving demand for high-performance computing chips.
A stronger domestic semiconductor ecosystem could therefore support growth across several industries simultaneously.
It could also strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing ambitions by making the domestic supply chain more resilient.
Opportunity for Indian Start-ups
One of the most promising aspects of ISM 2.0 is its focus on semiconductor start-ups and chip designers.
Developing a new chip can be expensive and time-consuming, making it difficult for young companies to compete with established global players.
Government support and co-investment mechanisms could give Indian start-ups the financial space to develop their own chip technologies and intellectual property.
If even a small number of these companies successfully scale up, India could begin producing home-grown semiconductor technologies for applications ranging from automobiles and telecom to defence and artificial intelligence.
Building Greater Economic Security
The global semiconductor shortage in recent years demonstrated how a disruption in one part of the world can quickly affect factories and consumers thousands of kilometres away.
For India, building domestic capabilities is therefore not simply about replacing imports. It is about reducing exposure to supply shocks and ensuring that critical industries have access to essential components.
A stronger domestic ecosystem could give Indian manufacturers greater certainty while also making the country more attractive to international companies looking to diversify their supply chains.
The Challenge Ahead
The opportunity is significant, but building a semiconductor industry is not easy.
India will need reliable infrastructure, uninterrupted power and water supplies, specialised talent, strong research capabilities and efficient logistics. The country will also have to compete with established semiconductor hubs that already have decades of manufacturing experience and deeply developed supplier networks.
The success of ISM 2.0 will ultimately depend on how effectively approved projects are executed and whether India can create an environment in which semiconductor companies can operate competitively over the long term.
More Than a Chip Industry
India’s semiconductor ambition is ultimately about much more than manufacturing chips.
It is about creating a new industrial ecosystem that connects technology, manufacturing, research and skilled employment. It is about encouraging Indian companies to move higher up the technology value chain and giving global manufacturers another reason to invest in India.
If ISM 2.0 delivers on its objectives, the semiconductor industry could become an important contributor to India’s next phase of economic growth.
The opportunity is clear: build the chips, develop the talent, strengthen the supply chain and create businesses around them. The bigger goal is to turn India from a major consumer and designer of technology into a country that can increasingly design, manufacture and export the technologies that power the global economy.
1, Sep 2026
Khushi Kapoor and Cava Athleisure Come Together to Create Soft Serve – Her Dream Athleisure Collection
Sep 1: What happens when an actor known for her effortless personal style gets to create the athleisure wardrobe she actually wants to wear? Soft Serve, a co-created collection by Khushi Kapoor and Cava, brings together Khushi’s personal approach to fashion with Cava’s expertise in performance-led athleisure.
The collaboration began with a simple brief: create pieces that feel as good in motion as they do styled outside of a workout. For Khushi, that meant going beyond simply putting her name on a collection. She was closely involved through the design process, from shaping the mood and aesthetic of the collection to refining silhouettes, colours, fits and details that felt true to her own wardrobe.
Her starting point was her own approach to getting dressed. Khushi wanted pieces that could move seamlessly between different parts of her day, with a strong emphasis on comfort, flattering silhouettes and the kind of understated detailing that makes a piece feel elevated without trying too hard.
The process involved multiple rounds of conversations, sampling and fittings, with Khushi weighing in on the details that mattered to her. The result is a collection that reflects the pieces she genuinely gravitates towards, while bringing in Cava’s understanding of movement, functionality and performance.
At the heart of Soft Serve is an idea that became central to the collection: Soft does not mean Weak.
The collection explores the coexistence of qualities that are often treated as opposites: softness and strength, femininity and drive, comfort and performance. Inspired by the idea of Yin and Yang, Soft Serve is built around the belief that there is no need to choose between them.
For Khushi, that duality also reflects how she approaches her own style and life.
“I’ve always wanted my wardrobe to feel effortless, but that doesn’t mean compromising on how a piece fits, feels or functions. With Soft Serve, I got to take all the things I naturally gravitate towards and build them into a collection that feels genuinely personal to me,” says Khushi Kapoor. “I was involved throughout the process, from the silhouettes and colours to the finer details, because I wanted every piece to feel like something I would actually wear. The idea of bringing softness and strength together really resonated with me, and I think you can feel that balance throughout the collection.”
The collection also reflects the shared sensibility between Khushi and Cava. While Khushi brings a distinct, fashion-led perspective, Cava brings its expertise in designing athleisure that is made to move. Its Adaptive Athleisure philosophy focuses on creating versatile pieces that can transition across workouts, everyday plans and everything in between.
For Cava’s Co-founder Ria Mittal, that overlap made the collaboration feel instinctive.
“Khushi came into the process with a very clear understanding of what she wanted the collection to feel like, and that made the collaboration incredibly exciting. She was not looking to simply create something that looked good; she cared about how the pieces fit, moved and felt,” says Ria Mittal, Co-Founder, Cava. “Soft Serve really captures that balance we both believe in. You can be soft and still be incredibly driven. You can care about aesthetics and be equally obsessed with functionality. For us, that is what makes the collection feel authentic.”
For Shreya Mittal, Co-Founder, Cava, the collaboration also reflects a side of Cava that has always existed beneath its aesthetic identity.
“Cava has always been about bringing together things that are not traditionally seen as belonging together. We have a very pinterest-y, aesthetic world, but underneath that is an intense focus on product, performance and functionality,” says Shreya Mittal, Co-Founder, Cava. “Khushi understood that balance instinctively. What made this collaboration special was that we were able to take her personal style and translate it into pieces that still have the performance and versatility Cava is known for. Soft Serve feels like a very natural meeting point between the two.”
The result is a collection designed around feminine silhouettes, considered details and movement-led functionality, bringing together the aesthetic world Khushi naturally gravitates towards with Cava’s approach to performance and versatility.
More than a celebrity collaboration, Soft Serve is a collection built through a shared creative process. Khushi’s personal style becomes the starting point, while Cava’s design and product expertise bring the pieces to life.
1, Sep 2026
AAEON to Kickoff 12th Annual SIDO Lyon Exhibition with Live AI Analytics Demos
Explore the AAEON platforms that are accelerating industrial transformation at SIDO Lyon 2026
Taipei, Taiwan – Sept 01: AAEON, a leading provider of industrial IoT and AI Edge solutions, will be exhibiting a range of live demonstrations featuring both new and upcoming products at Booth #O209 of SIDO Lyon from September 16 to September 17, 2026.
Date: September 16 – September 17, 2026
Booth: #O209
Venue: Lyon Convention Centre, Lyon
This year’s edition of SIDO Lyon is expected to host over 300 exhibitors, as well as featuring a diverse range of conferences, workshops, talks, and roundtables on topics ranging from autonomous robotics to cybersecurity.
At Booth #O209, AAEON will showcase exciting additions to its product lines utilizing technology from premier partners, as well as live demonstrations that illustrate the elite capabilities of AAEON platforms.
Among its demonstrations, AAEON will present an Al video analytics solution with remote device management and embedded cybersecurity capabilities able to support secure and scalable edge Al deployments. Running on the new UP WCL Edge with Intel Core processors (Series 3) (formerly Wildcat Lake), the solution utilizes technology from AAEON partners Balena, Network Optix, and Exein.
AAEON’s second live demonstration, using the BOXER-8652AI from the company’s line of Compact Fanless Embedded AI System featuring NVIDIA Jetson Orin series modules, will show how Al analytics applications can be used for smart city deployments such as traffic management. Leveraging real-time video inference based on CUDA/TensorRT, the application features video analytics solution Isarsoft Perception, showing how real-time traffic insights can help create smarter urban mobility infrastructure.
Highlighting AAEON’s growth in the RISC computing sphere, in collaboration with Savoir-faire Linux, AAEON will host a live demonstration featuring the Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ9075-based HPC-Q9M and the NXP i.MX 8M Plus-driven SRG-IMX8P, showcasing LF Energy SEAPATH for virtualized and high-availability smart grid infrastructure. Visitors can also explore the new Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490-powered uCOM-Q6490, which features an 8-core Qualcomm Kryo 670 CPU built on Arm v8 Cortex technology with 12 TOPS of AI performance through the chip’s integrated Qualcomm Hexagon 770 NPU.
Notable platforms featuring new Intel technologies among AAEON’s static demo lineup will be the upcoming GENE-PTH6, which is built on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors (formerly Panther Lake), as well as the recently released Intel Core processors (Series 3)-powered UP WCL Edge.
AAEON’s portfolio of solutions powered by NVIDIA technologies will also be represented at Booth #O209, with the BOXER-8649AI, an IP67-rated Fanless Embedded AI System powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin.
Meanwhile, the MAXER-5000, one of AAEON’s first products equipped with new NVIDIA Jetson Thor series modules, will also be on show.
Visitors are encouraged to join AAEON at Booth #O209, where representatives will be delighted to discuss the products and provide details of the demonstrations on display. For more information about the SIDO Lyon, or to register to attend, please visit the official exhibition website and be sure to use the code E-AAEWILY26 to obtain a free visitor’s pass.
1, Sep 2026
India-Uzbekistan Payment Deal Brings UPI Closer to Global Mainstream
New Delhi, Sep 1: India’s digital payments ecosystem is taking another step towards global expansion as NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) partners with Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre (NIPC) to enable UPI-based merchant payments across the country.
Under the new arrangement, Indian tourists, business travellers and students visiting Uzbekistan will be able to use their UPI-enabled applications to scan the country’s UZQR code and make payments at participating merchants.
The commercial agreement between NIPL, the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India, and NIPC, which operates Uzbekistan’s HUMO payment system, was signed on August 30 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan.
The partnership follows approvals from the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of Uzbekistan. HUMO has been designated as NIPL’s authorised partner for cross-border merchant acceptance.
The integration of UPI with Uzbekistan’s national QR infrastructure is expected to make everyday payments easier for Indian visitors. Travellers will be able to pay directly from their Indian bank accounts, reducing the need to carry large amounts of cash or depend entirely on international payment cards.
The development could also benefit Uzbekistan’s tourism, hospitality, retail and service sectors by making payments more convenient for Indian visitors. Hotels, restaurants, shops and other merchants can gain access to another digital payment channel as the movement of Indian travellers between the two countries grows.
From India’s perspective, the agreement strengthens the international presence of UPI and highlights the expanding role of Indian digital payment technology in cross-border commerce.
The partnership also creates scope for deeper cooperation in financial technology, digital payments and related services between the two countries. For businesses, easier payment connectivity can support tourism spending, trade-related travel and other commercial activities.
UPI is already accepted in several international markets, including Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Greece.
The addition of Uzbekistan further expands the international footprint of the Indian payment platform and strengthens India’s efforts to promote digital payment connectivity with partner countries.
The agreement comes at a time when QR-based payments are becoming increasingly important in international travel. For consumers and businesses alike, interoperable digital payment systems can make cross-border transactions faster, simpler and more accessible.
The India-Uzbekistan partnership therefore goes beyond a payment arrangement, offering potential benefits for tourism, retail, hospitality, fintech and wider economic engagement between the two countries.
