Gov’t notes RuPay card will boost Indian tourist arrivals The introduction of the RuPay card service in the Maldives aims to enhance the Indian tourist market, according to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. Officially launched on October 7 during an official visit to India, the RuPay card is India’s first global payment network, used by over 300 million people worldwide. The RuPay card is accepted in six countries, including Singapore, UAE, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius. In the Maldives, it was launched through the Bank of Maldives, allowing transactions at the bank’s ATMs and POS machines. Minister Mohammed Saeed emphasized that the RuPay card is a significant advancement in modernizing e-wallet services in the Maldives. He noted that it enables Indian tourists to conveniently pay for goods and services, potentially boosting the Indian tourism market. As of this year, the Maldives has welcomed 1.5 million tourists, with India contributing 95,072 visitors, accounting for 6.1% of arrivals. Recent high-level talks between the countries have focused on strengthening trade ties, with business forums held in three Indian states to promote tourism and investment opportunities in the Maldives.
