UPI to Be Launched in Malaysia Soon: PM Modi Highlights Shared Values, Engages Indian Diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that India’s flagship digital payments platform, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), will soon be launched in Malaysia, marking a significant step in deepening financial and technological cooperation between the two countries. The announcement came as PM Modi began a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening people-to-people contact, defense collaboration, and economic engagement.

On his first overseas visit of 2026, PM Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur, reinforcing India’s strategic focus on consolidating its comprehensive strategic partnership with Malaysia. The visit follows the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024 and comes amid steadily expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Speaking to members of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi unveiled a series of initiatives designed to further strengthen India’s bond with the Indian-origin community in Malaysia. “India will always welcome you with open arms. Keeping this in mind, a historic decision was taken just a few months ago. Now, Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the sixth generation are eligible for OCI cards,” he announced.

He further highlighted New Delhi’s continued support for the community, noting assistance to the Indian Scholarship Trust Fund and the introduction of the Thiruvalluvar Scholarship for students pursuing higher education in India. “We also look forward to welcoming you under the ‘Know India’ programme,” the prime minister added.

PM Modi expressed deep appreciation for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s personal gestures during the visit. Thanking him for attending the community event, Modi described it as a reflection of Anwar Ibrahim’s “love and respect for India and for all of you.” He also noted that the Malaysian leader personally received him at the airport and accompanied him to the diaspora programme.

Recalling an earlier commitment, PM Modi said, “I was unable to visit Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit last year. However, I promised my friend that I would come to Malaysia soon. Today, I am here, keeping that promise. This is my first foreign visit of 2026.”

The prime minister also lauded the grand cultural showcase organized by the Indian community in Malaysia. “We just witnessed a cultural performance that broke all previous records—800 dancers performing together in perfect coordination. This performance will be remembered for years. I congratulate every participant,” he said.

PM Modi Highlights Cultural Bonds Between India and Malaysia

Emphasizing the enduring cultural connections between the two nations, PM Modi described the Indian-origin community in Malaysia as a living bridge linking India and Malaysia. He spoke of shared linguistic roots, culinary traditions, and the widespread popularity of Indian cinema and music in Malaysia.

In a lighter moment, PM Modi also referred to Anwar Ibrahim’s fondness for Indian music, particularly classic Tamil songs by legendary actor and former Tamil Nadu chief minister MGR, drawing warm applause from the audience.

Anwar Ibrahim Praises Personal Rapport With PM Modi

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in turn, openly praised PM Modi, highlighting their close personal relationship. “PM Modi, I have followed your journey and your struggle. I say this with sincerity—I am fortunate to count Modi ji, and India, as close personal friends,” Anwar Ibrahim said.

India Likely to Push for Zakir Naik’s Extradition

During delegation-level talks, India is also expected to intensify discussions with Malaysia on the extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who has been residing in the country. The issue is likely to feature prominently in bilateral negotiations.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the prime minister’s visit as having a “rich agenda” that would “provide a major boost to the special partnership between India and Malaysia.”

With strong emphasis on digital payments through UPI, enhanced economic cooperation, and closer defense coordination, PM Modi’s visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into India-Malaysia relations and further solidify their growing strategic partnership.