India to Launch RBI-Backed Digital Currency for Safer, Faster Transactions

India is preparing to launch its own digital currency, backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to enable seamless and secure digital transactions. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced the initiative during a roundtable in Doha, Qatar, highlighting that the digital rupee will have a sovereign guarantee similar to physical currency.

According to Goyal, the upcoming digital currency will leverage blockchain technology to enhance the speed, transparency, and safety of financial transactions. He compared the initiative to stablecoins legalized in the U.S. under the GENUIS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act), emphasizing that India’s model will ensure government-backed stability.

The minister explained that blockchain’s traceability will help reduce illegal financial activities by allowing every transaction to be verifiable through the system. This aligns with India’s broader push toward digital transformation while ensuring compliance and accountability.

Despite being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a global leader in crypto adoption, India has maintained a cautious stance toward private cryptocurrencies. Citing risks of volatility and lack of regulation, Goyal reiterated that the government does not support digital assets without sovereign or asset backing, such as Bitcoin or other privately issued cryptocurrencies.

He stressed that unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies, India’s digital currency will hold official value guaranteed by the RBI, providing trust and security for users and businesses alike.

As India continues to strengthen its digital finance ecosystem, the introduction of the RBI-backed digital currency marks a significant step toward integrating blockchain innovation into the country’s monetary framework while safeguarding economic stability and consumer confidence.