RNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the RuPay card in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, With the launching of Rypau card UAE becomes the first middle eastern country to initiate Rupay card (India’s) equivalent of Mastercard or Visa.
Soon after the launching PM Modi, made a “special purchase” from the RuPay Card which he will offer as ‘prasad’ at the Shreenathji Temple on Sunday in Bahrain, where is scheduled to go after UAE.
Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) wrote, “The RuPay card comes to UAE! PM @narendramodi makes a special purchase, which he would offer as Prasad at the Shreenathji Temple in Bahrain tomorrow.”
The RuPay card comes to UAE!
PM @narendramodi makes a special purchase, which he would offer as Prasad at the Shreenathji Temple in Bahrain tomorrow.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 24, 2019
Addressing to the media persons during a post-launch press conference, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that 20 of the most prominent NRI businessmen of UAE were present during the launch and they have agreed to support this initiative.
The UAE receives around three million Indian tourists annually. Usage of the RuPay card in the Gulf nation will lower the charges as tourists will save on the exchange rate.
According to the news agency reports, the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) in association with Mercury Payments Services – UAE`s Domestic Scheme – has made RuPay cards acceptable at 175,000 merchant acceptance locations and 5,000 ATM and cash access locations within the UAE.
Over 20 prominent businessmen were present during the launch, agreed to support this initiative, different media reported.