Mumbai / Manama — November 12, 2025: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the global arm of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has partnered with BENEFIT, Bahrain’s leading fintech and electronic financial transactions company, to enable real-time cross-border remittances between the two nations.
The partnership connects India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Bahrain’s Fawri+ instant fund transfer system, creating a seamless payment corridor for users in both countries. The initiative supports the large Indian diaspora in Bahrain — which constitutes nearly 30% of Bahrain’s population — and marks a significant leap in regional financial integration.
Key Highlights
- Instant Transfers: Real-time money movement between India and Bahrain through the direct linkage of UPI and Fawri+.
- Enhanced Security: Encrypted, regulatory-compliant transactions under the oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).
- Financial Inclusion: Promotes broader access to digital financial services and advances both countries’ digital economy objectives.
- Strategic Corridor: Strengthens remittance efficiency for Indian workers and businesses operating in Bahrain.
Parallel Development — NBBL Launches Forex Services on Bharat Connect
In a complementary move, NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), a subsidiary of NPCI, has launched forex services on Bharat Connect in collaboration with Clearcorp Dealing Systems (India) Ltd. (Clearcorp), part of the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL).
Key Features:
- Retail Forex Access: Users can buy foreign currency, reload Forex Cards, and make outward remittances directly through TPAPs or mobile banking apps integrated with Bharat Connect (BBPS).
- Seamless Integration: Simplifies forex transactions for retail users, reducing costs and processing times.
- Launch Event: Introduced at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, highlighting India’s growing leadership in digital payments.
Strategic Significance
Together, these initiatives:
- Strengthen India’s global payment network by linking UPI with foreign instant payment systems.
- Modernize cross-border and forex transaction frameworks for retail and SME users.
- Reinforce India’s and Bahrain’s roles as regional fintech innovators fostering digital inclusion and economic cooperation.
