Indian travellers will soon be able to pay Malaysian merchants directly using India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), with transactions settled instantly in ringgit.
Razorpay Curlec has partnered with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to introduce UPI payments in Malaysia, marking the first collaboration of its kind.
The agreement was signed at India’s Global Fintech Fest 2025.
The partnership simplifies cross-border payments for the one million Indian tourists who visited Malaysia in 2024, spending RM6.11 billion, up 71.7% from the previous year.
Travellers can pay through familiar UPI apps, while Malaysian merchants receive instant settlements in ringgit via Razorpay Curlec’s platform without any additional integration.
The initiative marks a step toward seamless cross-border commerce between India and Malaysia and supports ASEAN’s goal of linking national real-time payment systems through projects like the common QR standard and Project Nexus.
These efforts aim to unlock new growth opportunities for MSMEs and tourism across Southeast Asia.
UPI, India’s real-time payments network, processed about 20 billion transactions in September 2025.
The system enables instant, secure transfers between banks and wallets, similar to Malaysia’s DuitNow network.
Kevin Lee, Country Head and CEO of Razorpay Curlec, said,
“Indian travellers represent one of the fastest-growing visitor groups to Malaysia, yet many still rely on cash or face high fees when using international cards. By enabling UPI payments, we will make it easier for them to spend and easier for Malaysian businesses to earn.
It is a meaningful step toward frictionless payments and a stronger, digitally connected economy. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving continuous innovation that deepens financial inclusion and positions Malaysia as a leading hub for seamless cross-border commerce.”
Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), said,
“UPI has transformed the way India pays, setting a global benchmark for speed, security, and interoperability.
Extending its reach to Malaysia through this partnership with Razorpay Curlec will allow millions of Indian travellers to pay with the same convenience they have at home, and enable Malaysian merchants to benefit from a trusted payments network. It is a win for both economies and a major stride in strengthening digital cooperation across Asia.”
Featured image: (From left) Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director & CEO of NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Kevin Lee, Country Head and CEO of Razorpay Curlec
