Editorial

India’s rise as a technological power is no longer confined to software exports or startup ecosystems. With the global expansion of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the country is quietly crafting a new form of diplomacy—one rooted not in military alliances or traditional trade, but in digital infrastructure and financial inclusion.

Developed under the guidance of the National Payments Corporation of India, UPI has transformed India’s domestic economy by making real-time, low-cost transactions accessible to millions. Today, its international rollout signals a strategic shift: India is exporting not just technology, but a model of inclusive growth. Countries across Asia, the Middle East, and even parts of Europe are adopting or linking with UPI, enabling seamless cross-border payments for businesses, tourists, and migrant workers.

This expansion has significant geopolitical implications. In a world dominated by Western-controlled financial systems and Chinese digital payment platforms, UPI offers a third alternative—open, interoperable, and relatively low-cost. It enhances India’s soft power by positioning it as a provider of public digital goods, rather than a profit-driven technology exporter. For developing nations, especially, UPI represents a pathway to financial inclusion without the heavy costs associated with legacy banking systems.

However, the success of this “tech diplomacy” depends on careful navigation. Financial systems are deeply tied to sovereignty and security. Partner countries will demand robust data protection, regulatory clarity, and assurances against systemic risks. India must therefore ensure that UPI’s expansion is accompanied by strong governance frameworks and mutual trust.

Moreover, competition is inevitable. Global giants like Visa and Mastercard, as well as China’s digital payment ecosystems, are unlikely to concede space easily. The challenge for India lies in maintaining UPI’s core strengths—simplicity, affordability, and scalability—while adapting to diverse international regulatory environments.

The strategic benefits, nevertheless, are undeniable. By embedding its digital infrastructure into other economies, India strengthens economic interdependence, boosts its fintech sector, and enhances its global standing. Much like oil pipelines or trade corridors once defined influence, digital payment rails are emerging as the arteries of modern power.

In essence, UPI is more than a payment system; it is an instrument of statecraft. If managed wisely, it could redefine how nations project influence in the 21st century—quietly, efficiently, and through the everyday act of a simple transaction.

India’s resounding victory in the International Ball Badminton series, where both men’s and women’s teams secured gold against Thailand, is more than just another addition to the medal tally. It is a powerful reminder that India’s sporting strength extends far beyond the glamour of cricket and Olympic disciplines, thriving in indigenous and lesser-publicized games.

Ball badminton, a sport with deep roots in Indian soil, represents a unique blend of speed, agility, and precision. Yet, despite its rich heritage, it has largely remained outside mainstream attention. This latest triumph should compel policymakers, sports authorities, and the public to reassess how sporting success is valued and promoted in the country.

India’s dominance in this series reflects a well-established grassroots structure and sustained excellence. Unlike many sports where India is still striving to reach the podium, ball badminton showcases what consistent investment, cultural familiarity, and institutional support can achieve. It is a model that could be replicated across other disciplines where India has latent potential but lacks visibility and funding.

However, the irony is striking. Even as Indian athletes achieve global success in such sports, recognition, sponsorship, and media coverage remain disproportionately low. The athletes who bring pride to the nation often do so without the financial security or public acknowledgment afforded to stars in more commercial sports. This imbalance not only undermines morale but also discourages young talent from pursuing these disciplines seriously.

There is also a larger cultural dimension to consider. Promoting indigenous sports like ball badminton is not merely about winning medals; it is about preserving identity and diversifying India’s sporting culture. In an era of globalization, where Western sports dominate screens and sponsorships, nurturing homegrown games becomes an act of cultural assertion.

The government’s push through initiatives like Khelo India is a step in the right direction, but more targeted efforts are needed. Dedicated leagues, school-level integration, and corporate backing can transform the sport from a niche pursuit into a national movement. Media, too, must play its role by giving these achievements the visibility they deserve.

India’s double gold victory is not just a sporting success; it is a statement of untapped potential. If nurtured properly, disciplines like ball badminton can elevate India’s global sporting profile while strengthening its cultural fabric. The challenge now lies in ensuring that such victories do not fade into obscurity but instead spark a broader reimagining of India’s sporting priorities.

• SAS Kirmani