BENEFIT taps NPCI to enable seamless India–Bahrain transfers

BENEFIT has partnered with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) of India to enable real-time, cross-border payment connectivity between the two nations. Under this strategic linkage agreement, Bahrain’s Electronic Fund Transfer System (EFTS), specifically its Fawri+ service, will be integrated with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a global leader in instant payments.

The collaboration, carried out under the supervision of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), represents a significant advancement in regional financial innovation and cross-border digital infrastructure. UPI currently facilitates nearly 20 billion monthly transactions valued at more than USD 280 billion, serving over 500 million users and commanding approximately 84% of India’s retail digital payment market.

This milestone partnership underscores Bahrain’s vision to cement its position as a digital-first financial hub and a pioneer in real-time payments across the GCC. The initiative also marks a pivotal step in BENEFIT’s ongoing efforts to extend the Fawri+ network globally, expanding interoperability and delivering fast, secure, and frictionless payment experiences to customers across borders. Through this linkage, users in both Bahrain and India will be able to perform instant, low-cost money transfers with the assurance of robust security and compliance standards.

Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive of BENEFIT, said, “The signing of the linkage agreement with India’s NPCI International represents an important strategic milestone in strengthening Bahrain’s presence in the global digital financial landscape. The partnership underscores our commitment to delivering advanced digital payment services that contribute to supporting the national economy and expanding economic relations between Bahrain and India. The new service will enable citizens and residents in both countries to send and receive money instantly and securely, reflecting our continuous efforts to meet the growing demand for fast, reliable, and cross-border financial solutions.”

Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director & CEO of NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), said, “We are delighted to partner with BENEFIT to enable secure, real-time remittances between India and Bahrain. We believe this collaboration will deepen financial connectivity, pave the way for further cross-border payment innovations, and contribute to promoting financial inclusion and shared economic growth that benefits individuals and businesses alike. The initiative will also serve the large Indian diaspora in Bahrain, making money transfers faster, safer, and more convenient.