UPI launch in Malaysia, diaspora initiatives and strategic ties in focus as PM Modi visits Kuala Lumpur

PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that India’s digital payments platform, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), will soon be rolled out in Malaysia, marking a key step in strengthening economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.

The announcement came as PM Modi began his two-day visit to Malaysia, his first overseas trip of 2026, aimed at expanding ties in trade, defence and people-to-people engagement. India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024, and the current visit is expected to further accelerate cooperation across multiple sectors.

Addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur, the Prime Minister underlined India’s continued commitment to overseas Indians, particularly those of Malaysian origin. He announced that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility has been extended to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the sixth generation.

“India will always keep its doors open for you,” PM Modi said, adding that New Delhi would continue supporting the Indian Scholarship Trust Fund. He also announced the Thiruvalluvar Scholarship for students pursuing studies in India and encouraged greater participation in the ‘Know India’ programme.

PM Modi expressed gratitude to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for attending the diaspora event and for personally welcoming him upon arrival. He noted that Anwar Ibrahim not only received him at the airport but also accompanied him to the venue, calling the gesture a sign of deep respect and friendship between the two nations.

Recalling a missed visit last year,  PM Modi said he had promised to travel to Malaysia after being unable to attend the ASEAN Summit. “I gave my word, and today I am here,” he said, describing the visit as a reaffirmation of India’s strong focus on Southeast Asia.

The Prime Minister also praised a large cultural showcase by the Indian community, featuring around 800 dancers performing in unison. He described the event as a memorable celebration of shared heritage and congratulated the performers for setting a new benchmark.

Shared culture and people-to-people ties

Highlighting the cultural bonds between the two countries, PM Modi described the Indian-origin community in Malaysia as a vital link connecting India and Malaysia. He spoke about shared culinary traditions, linguistic connections and the popularity of Indian cinema and music in Malaysia, even referencing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s fondness for classic Indian songs.

In his remarks, Anwar Ibrahim spoke warmly about his personal relationship with Modi, saying he had long followed the Indian leader’s political journey and valued their friendship.

Talks to cover strategic and security issues

During delegation-level discussions, India is expected to once again raise the issue of extraditing controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who has been residing in Malaysia. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit carries a “substantive and forward-looking agenda” and is expected to significantly strengthen bilateral cooperation.