Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Embraces India’s Digital Payments in Mumbai
On a visit to Mumbai, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez experienced India’s digital payment system firsthand by using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to purchase a Ganesh statue. This event highlights the growing technological partnership between India and Spain. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, noted the significance of this digital interaction in a post on X, emphasizing the seamless nature of UPI transactions.
UPI is a digital payment system that allows for real-time fund transfers using devices like mobile phones and computers. In 2023, India was responsible for 46% of global digital payments, with UPI accounting for 80% of these transactions in the country, totaling over 100 billion transactions nationwide.
During his visit, Sanchez also discussed enhancing inter-university collaboration and cultural exchanges between Spain and India. He assured that a Spanish soccer team would soon participate in matches in India. Sanchez, along with his spouse Begona Gomez, met with Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan at a reception in Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.
Furthermore, Sanchez announced that 2026 would be celebrated as the Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI between the two nations. He proposed sending Spanish football coaches to India and suggested promoting cricket in Spain. Sanchez also shared his appreciation for Indian literature, having read the Spanish translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Gitanjali’.
Doubts Revealed
Pedro Sanchez -: Pedro Sanchez is the Prime Minister of Spain, which is a country in Europe. He is like the leader of Spain, similar to how India has a Prime Minister.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) -: UPI is a system in India that allows people to make digital payments easily using their mobile phones. It’s like using an app to send money to someone without needing cash.
Ganesh statue -: A Ganesh statue is a small sculpture of Lord Ganesha, who is a popular Hindu god with an elephant head. People in India often buy these statues for religious purposes or as decorations.
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan -: CP Radhakrishnan is the Governor of Maharashtra, which is a state in India. A governor is like a leader of a state, helping to manage and oversee the region.
Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI -: The Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI is a special time announced for 2026 when India and Spain will focus on sharing their cultures, promoting travel between the countries, and working together on artificial intelligence (AI) projects.
