Airtel Payments Bank, in collaboration with identity tech company IDEMIA and HMD Global (makers of Nokia phones), intends to introduce Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to feature phones in India. This alliance aims to launch an innovative offline payment system in the forthcoming months, which will allow feature phone users to utilize the digital rupee, bolstering financial inclusion. Prasad Routray of Airtel Payments Bank expressed confidence in this venture’s potential to enhance financial service accessibility. With India’s estimated 25 crore feature phone users, this initiative marks the industry’s first attempt to bring CBDC payments to such devices. IDEMIA’s role will be pivotal in ensuring secure, offline transactions without the necessity for online validation.