After demonetization, cashless digital payment modes have become more important than ever. Samsung recently launched its Samsung Pay platform in India, and now Google is also expected to launch its Android Pay platform later this year. Google has reportedly started testing its Android Pay digital wallet backed by Unified Payments Interface. Also Read - Paytm app back on Google Play after short pulldown concerning policy violations

Stripe the San Francisco-based startup with businesses in over 100 countries is in advanced talks to enter the Indian market in partnership with UPI (Unified Payments Interface), a person familiar with the matter told ET. The firm has solutions for accepting all types of digital payments. Also Read - How to quickly share files with Google's latest 'Nearby Share' feature

Three global companies have already approached NPCI expressing their desire to work with UPI, Dilip Asbe, chief operating officer at NPCI, told the publication. However, he declined to name the companies due to non-disclosure agreements. They see UPI as a simple, seamless payment option with a mobile focus, which is what these companies are interested in. If these global players put their weight behind UPI, it will definitely give a big push to UPI to reach 50 million to 100 million users in the next few years. We are expecting that these companies will roll out their UPI products this year, Asbe added.

Google s Android Pay platform was launched in the US in 2015, and since then, the platform has also been expanded to other markets such as UK, Russia, Australia, Singapore and Japan. To enable quick, easy and in-app cashless transactions, Google has also partnered multiple banks. ALSO READ: Lenovo-Motorola to bring Android Pay to India, Paytm to integrate payment solutions: Report

Commenting on Android Pay India launch report, Google spokesperson told the publication we are always looking for ways to make it easy for people to pay with their mobile devices, such as Android Pay in some countries, and looking to expand those capabilities to the next billion users. Google also recently announced a new payments API that will allow all Android smartphones compatible for online payments. ALSO READ: WhatsApp to enable digital payments in India: After Truecaller, WhatsApp UPI integration on the cards

With a lot of users now making digital payments, it seems like an opportune time for global digital payments to enter Indian market with UPI integration. Recently, Truecaller partnered ICICI bank to enable UPI-based payment solution in its Android and iOS app, allowing users to quickly transfer money to their contacts. ALSO READ: How to use Samsung Pay in India: Here s our complete guide on how it works, how to setup and transact

Samsung Pay also recently went live with UPI and Paytm integration to enable cashless payments. What s more, WhatsApp which has over 200 million daily active users in India, is also looking to integrate UPI payment solution in its instant messaging app. This will enable users to easily send money to their contacts. ALSO READ: WhatsApp crosses 200 million monthly active users in India; looks to integrate payments