UPI to launch in Malaysia soon: PM tells Indian diaspora, highlights shared values

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India’s digital payments platform UPI will soon be introduced in Malaysia, as he began a two-day visit aimed at deepening economic, defence and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on his first foreign visit of 2026, underlining India’s focus on strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Malaysia. The visit comes against the backdrop of steadily expanding bilateral cooperation after both sides elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in August 2024.

In his departure statement, the prime minister said the visit would push for closer defence cooperation and stronger economic engagement. He is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with discussions expected to lead to several agreements to expand cooperation across sectors.

“The historic ties between India and Malaysia have seen steadfast progress in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and further enhancing our comprehensive strategic partnership,” Modi said. “We will aim to deepen our defence and security ties, enhance our economic and innovation partnership, and expand our collaboration into new domains,” he added.

During delegation-level talks, New Delhi is also set to once again press Kuala Lumpur on the extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the prime minister’s visit features a “rich agenda and will give a major boost to the special partnership between India and Malaysia”.

Modi also addressed the Indian community at a large diaspora event in Kuala Lumpur, praising their role in strengthening bilateral ties. “I am also eager to meet the Indian community in Malaysia. Numbering nearly three million, they represent one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world,” he said earlier. “Their immense contribution to Malaysia’s progress and their role as a living bridge between our two nations provide a strong foundation to our historic friendship,” he added.

At the event, Modi thanked Anwar Ibrahim for attending the community programme and highlighted the personal gestures extended to him during the visit. He said the Malaysian prime minister not only came to the airport to receive him but also accompanied him to the venue, calling it a reflection of “his love and respect for India and for all of you”.

Recalling his earlier commitment to visit Malaysia, Modi said, “Last year, I could not visit Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit. But I promised my friend that I will come to Malaysia soon. As promised, I am here. This is my first foreign visit in 2026.”

He also lauded a large cultural performance staged by the Indian diaspora. “We have just seen a record-setting cultural performance. 800 dancers in perfect harmony. This performance will be remembered by our people for years to come. I congratulate all the performers,” he said.

Highlighting cultural links, Modi described the Indian-origin community in Malaysia as a living bridge between the two nations. He spoke about shared food traditions, language similarities and the popularity of Indian music and films in Malaysia, noting Anwar Ibrahim’s fondness for Indian songs, including Tamil tracks of the legendary MGR.

The visit is expected to give fresh momentum to India–Malaysia ties, with digital payments, economic cooperation and defence collaboration featuring prominently on the agenda. give title under 80 characters

- Ends

Tune In