UPI to launch in Malaysia soon: PM Modi tells Indian diaspora, highlights shared values
India Today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted strong people-to-people ties with Malaysia as he travelled with Anwar Ibrahim to a community event in Kuala Lumpur.
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.
PM 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.
PM 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.
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