Which company became the first to launch a dedicated mobile payment service in India?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the area of banking and digital payments. It asks about the first technology company to introduce a branded mobile payment service in India. The reference is to a contactless and app based payment platform that allows users to pay using their smartphones at compatible point of sale terminals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on a dedicated mobile payment service, not just any banking app.
• The service is launched by a technology or device company rather than by a traditional bank.
• The question refers to the launch in India, not globally.
• The options include well known global technology companies.

Concept / Approach:
To answer, we recall the timeline of mobile payment launches in India. Samsung introduced Samsung Pay in India before similar app based services from Google or Apple were fully operational in the Indian market. Samsung Pay allowed users of compatible Samsung phones to make contactless payments using near field communication and related technologies. This made Samsung the first among the listed tech companies to launch such a mobile payment service in India.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question is about a branded mobile payment service like Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or Google s payment app. Step 2: Recall that Samsung Pay was launched in India earlier than competing products from other global tech firms. Step 3: Note that Apple Pay was not available in India during the same period and Google later launched its Tez app, which evolved into Google Pay. Step 4: Compare the timeline and conclude that Samsung was the first company from the given list to start such a service in India.

Verification / Alternative check:
Business news reports and Samsung s own announcements confirm that Samsung Pay went live in India in 2017, positioning Samsung as the first major global device maker to launch a mobile wallet and payment platform here. At that time, Apple Pay was not offered in the Indian market, and Google s payment app for India came later. IBM and PayPal did not launch comparable phone based tap and pay services in the same way.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Google: Google later launched Tez, which turned into Google Pay, but this came after Samsung Pay and does not qualify as the first. IBM: IBM is an enterprise technology company, not known for launching a retail mobile payment wallet in India. Apple: Apple Pay was not formally introduced in India during the period referenced by the question. PayPal: While PayPal operates globally as an online payment platform, it did not introduce a dedicated India specific mobile wallet as the first of its kind.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may incorrectly assume that global dominance means being first everywhere, and therefore pick Apple or Google based on their international profile. Another trap is to confuse online payment gateways with app based mobile wallets that support contactless payments in physical stores. Focusing on the specific product Samsung Pay and the Indian launch date avoids these errors.

Final Answer:
The first company to launch a dedicated mobile payment service in India was Samsung with Samsung Pay.