Is India after Adopting Ripple $RLUSD for Cross-border Payments?

India has always been interested in using blockchain technology, and Ripple’s newly launched stablecoin, RLSUD, has come into the spotlight as a potential solution for cross-border payments. 

While the Indian government remains cautious about cryptocurrencies, its commitment to exploring blockchain for financial innovation aligns with Ripple’s offerings. In the past, Indian officials have expressed mixed opinions on crypto, citing concerns over its speculative nature and potential risks.

Earlier this year, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das warned against cryptocurrencies , calling them highly speculative and highlighting the risks they pose to financial stability, especially in emerging economies like India.

Despite the hike in the value of crypto, Das emphasized that such assets , with no underlying value, could harm both domestic and global financial systems. He stressed the importance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) as safer alternatives, particularly for cross-border transactions.

Despite this, Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s finance minister said that India plans to explore blockchain technology while ensuring any crypto regulation aligns with global standards. Though regulators have different views on crypto, the government believes that regulations should be discussed globally, as cryptocurrencies are borderless and require international cooperation.

After Narendra Modi’s leadership in the recent elections, blockchain is being seen as a way to improve digital governance . It can help in areas like supply chains and public services.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and NITI Aayog see blockchain as a way to make banking, healthcare, and education more efficient and secure. India’s focus on adopting blockchain aims to support sustainable growth and economic stability.

Ripple’s technology has already been used in India for oil purchases from Dubai, showing its potential in cross-border trade. 

With BRICS countries actively seeking alternatives to the U.S. dollar for trade, RLUSD could provide India and other nations with a way to reduce reliance on the dollar, enabling smoother and more efficient cross-border settlements. This shift could have long-term implications for global trade and India’s financial landscape.

Additionally, the recent appointment of Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to Ripple’s advisory board adds credibility to this shift. 

India’s interest in Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin signals a new era for cross-border payments, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution while aligning with global efforts to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.