Spanish PM Embraces India’s UPI, Buys Ganesh Statue In Mumbai

In a symbolic nod to India’s technological advancements, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently used the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to purchase a Ganesh statue in Mumbai. The seamless UPI transaction caught attention as an example of India’s digital payment success story, demonstrating the system’s real-time efficiency.

MEA Spokesperson: “Experiencing India’s Digital Revolution”

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the event on social media, emphasizing the impact of UPI on international partnerships. “Experiencing India’s digital revolution first hand,” Jaiswal noted, adding that this moment highlights the “fast-growing India-Spain technological partnership.”

UPI’s Expanding Reach and India’s Digital Leadership

India’s UPI has become a global pioneer in digital transactions, with 80% of Indian digital payments now flowing through the system. As of 2023, India accounted for 46% of worldwide digital payments, underscoring the international relevance of India’s fintech innovations. UPI’s widespread adoption has facilitated over 100 billion transactions, making it an influential model for cashless economies.

Strengthening Cultural and Educational Ties

During his India visit, Sanchez engaged with Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, discussing plans for cultural and educational exchanges. Spain and India will commemorate 2026 as the “Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI,” with both countries aiming to enhance cultural connections. Sanchez also expressed interest in sports exchange, proposing that Spain’s football expertise could pair with India’s cricket prominence to strengthen bilateral relations.

A Literary Bond: Sanchez and ‘Gitanjali’

As a gesture of appreciation for Indian culture, Sanchez revealed his admiration for Rabindranath Tagore’s *Gitanjali*, a work he recently read in Spanish. His comments reflect Spain’s ongoing interest in fostering stronger ties with India through both cultural and digital engagement.