Piyush Goyal pushes RuPay, UPI adoption at Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday, May 18 proposed promoting digital transactions through RuPay cards and UPI at the upcoming Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav, saying such initiatives could strengthen India’s journey towards a self-reliant and developed economy.

Goyal "proposed involving NPCI, which operates RuPay cards and UPI, in the Bharatiya Swadeshi Mela. He noted that while UPI is widely used, RuPay cards are not being utilised adequately," said the release.

Launching the website for the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav at a two-day conclave of trade leaders at Bharat Mandapam, Goyal suggested involving the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in the event to encourage wider use of India’s digital payment systems.

The minister proposed setting up 50 to 100 kiosks across the venue where visitors could obtain RuPay debit cards using Aadhaar and other identification documents and carry out transactions digitally through UPI and RuPay cards. He noted that while UPI has gained widespread popularity across the country, RuPay cards are still not being utilised adequately.

"He also suggested setting up 50 to 100 kiosks across the venue where visitors could obtain RuPay debit cards using Aadhaar and other identification documents and conduct all transactions digitally through UPI or RuPay cards," it added.

Goyal said bringing banks together for the initiative could help expand the adoption of indigenous digital payment systems. Referring to Bharat Mandapam regularly hosting exhibitions and international programmes, he said such efforts could inspire more people to use RuPay and UPI nationwide.

He said small initiatives of this nature would provide fresh momentum to India’s Amrit Kaal journey and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Goyal said "India should never become complacent merely because it is the world’s fastest-growing economy. He said the country must continuously strive for bigger achievements, generate new ideas, and work constantly towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 during Amrit Kaal, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi."

During his address, Goyal also reiterated that India has set a target of achieving exports worth 1 trillion dollars this year and 2 trillion dollars over the next five years. He said the country must aggressively promote indigenous trade and expand homegrown products and services in domestic as well as international markets.

"India has set a target of achieving exports worth 1 trillion dollars this year and 2 trillion dollars over the next five years, asserting that this would be the true hallmark of an Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said.

According to the minister, India’s exports have already touched 863 billion dollars this year, recording nearly five per cent growth despite global economic challenges. He said both goods and services exports have increased, calling it a significant achievement in the current environment.

He added, "exports this year have reached 863 billion dollars, nearly 5 per cent higher than the previous year, despite global challenges. He said both goods and services exports have increased, calling it a significant achievement in the present global environment."

The minister also stressed the need to strengthen the spirit of Swadeshi and reduce dependence on imports by supporting domestic industries. He said the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav, scheduled to be held from August 12 to August 15, 2026, would serve as a major platform to showcase Indian products, businesses and innovation.