Watch: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen witnesses UPI payment system for first time in India, says 'bravo'

NEW DELHI: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was introduced to India's cutting-edge digital payments infrastructure on Friday, during her visit to the country.
Leyen witnessed a live demonstration of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. In a video, the EU chief was seen closely observing a transaction facilitated by EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin, who explained the seamless and rapid process of UPI payments.

Upon the successful completion of the transaction, Delphin pointed to the payment receiver system's confirmation sound, to which Leyen reacted, "Bravo" and clapped in appreciation.
Von der Leyen appeared visibly impressed upon seeing the efficiency and ease of the system, which has revolutionized digital payments in India.
Earlier in August 2024, PM Modi during his Poland visit had appreciated the UPI payment system by comparing its daily transactions in India to the total population of Europe.
"Every day in India, the number of digital transactions made through UPI is equivalent to the population of the European Union", the PM had said.
Later, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnav had elaborated on PM’s statement and shared a clip of the PM's speech. "448 million -> Population of EU; 466 million -> Daily UPI transactions in India.", he wrote.

Von der Leyen’s visit, alongside the entire college of commissioners, marked a significant moment in India-EU relations.
She emphasised the growing strategic partnership between the two regions, highlighting trade, economic growth, and technological collaboration as key areas of focus.
"The planets are aligned, and so are Europe and India," she said, drawing parallels between the timing of her visit and a rare celestial event where seven planets aligned.
India and the EU have been working towards finalizing a Free Trade Agreement, with both sides aiming for its completion by the end of the year.