NPCI International Forges UPI-DuitNow Link for Seamless India-Malaysia Travel Payments
In a significant move to enhance digital payment connectivity, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has entered into a strategic agreement with Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) to integrate India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Malaysia's DuitNow system. This partnership, announced in Mumbai on February 12, 2026, will enable QR-based merchant payments for travelers between the two nations, marking a pivotal step in expanding UPI's global footprint.
Phased Rollout to Facilitate Cross-Border Transactions
The integration will be implemented in phases, with no specified end date, ensuring a smooth transition and robust testing. In the initial phase, Indian travelers visiting Malaysia will gain the ability to use their UPI-enabled mobile applications to make payments at merchant locations equipped with DuitNow QR codes. This will provide immediate access to millions of DuitNow QR touchpoints across Malaysia, including:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Retail outlets and shopping centers
- Popular tourist destinations and attractions
Subsequently, in the following phase, Malaysian visitors to India will be able to scan UPI QR codes and complete transactions using their DuitNow apps. This reciprocal arrangement will open up acceptance at millions of UPI-enabled merchants throughout India, offering Malaysian tourists a familiar and efficient payment method during their stays.
Leadership Perspectives on the Strategic Partnership
Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director and CEO of NPCI International, emphasized that this collaboration, undertaken with guidance from the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), aims to build interoperable, real-time payment ecosystems with international networks. He stated, "The linkage is designed to offer travelers a secure, convenient, and familiar payment experience while simultaneously strengthening digital and economic ties between India and Malaysia."
Praveen Rajan, CEO of PayNet, highlighted how national payments infrastructure can support everyday cross-border payments at scale. He noted, "The UPI-DuitNow connection will enhance connectivity for travelers, merchants, and banks, and is expected to boost higher trade and travel flows, particularly aligning with the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026."
NPCI International's Global Expansion Strategy
NPCI International, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has been actively pursuing partnerships across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe to extend UPI's overseas acceptance. Their focus areas include:
- Facilitating remittances and cross-border money transfers
- Enabling QR-based tourist payments for seamless travel experiences
- Developing real-time payment infrastructure to support global digital economies
This agreement with Malaysia represents a key milestone in these efforts, leveraging QR technology to simplify payments for international travelers and foster greater economic collaboration. By reducing reliance on cash and traditional card systems, the initiative promises to enhance financial inclusion and convenience, setting a precedent for future cross-border payment integrations in the region and beyond.
