Cross-border travel and commerce between India and Bhutan took a significant digital leap forward today as both nations officially activated complete, two-way Unified Payments Interface (UPI) connectivity.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, currently on a two-day diplomatic trip to Thimphu, joined Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel to launch Phase 2 of the cross-border rollout. While Indian visitors have previously been able to scan and pay via UPI inside Bhutan, this new milestone allows Bhutanese nationals traveling in India to execute real-time QR payments straight from their domestic bank accounts.

Describing the development on social media, Dr Jaishankar noted that the move "completes two-way UPI-based digital payment connectivity," delivering instant, low-friction financial settlement for thousands of tourists, pilgrims, students, and traders moving between both economies every week.  

Reflecting on his discussions with Prime Minister Tobgay, Dr Jaishankar reaffirmed New Delhi's steadfast commitment to Bhutan’s sustainable development agenda, noting that the uniquely intertwined friendship between the two neighbors continues to evolve through high-impact, modern partnerships.