The partnership connects DuitNow QR and UPI systems, improving interoperability, speeding settlements, and supporting cashless payments for travelers and merchants.
For years, Malaysia’s domestic QR payments network has enabled millions of local transactions daily. However, foreign visitors have typically faced fragmented systems that limit convenient cashless spending, and Malaysian travelers abroad have encountered similar obstacles when attempting to use their local banking apps.
With the rebound in regional travel post-pandemic, the need for cost-effective, interoperable payments that could operate across borders and currencies had become increasingly clear.
On 12 February 2026, Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet), which operates the country’s national payments infrastructure, announced its expanded efforts to simplify digital transactions for travelers and merchants through a new cross-border payments linkage with India.
The initiative marks a step in PayNet’s ongoing digital transformation to support the government’s goal of promoting seamless digital commerce during Visit Malaysia 2026 and beyond. The challenges were addressed with a direct linkage between its DuitNow QR platform and India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), implemented in collaboration with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India.
Key elements of the linkage include:
- Enabling real-time, cross-border merchant payments through QR code interoperability
- Allowing travelers to use their existing mobile payment apps for retail purchases abroad
- Leveraging centralized standards and clearing infrastructure to ensure payment security and settlement efficiency
- Supporting participating banks and e-wallet providers under the national QR framework
According to PayNet Chief Executive Officer Praveen Rajan, the integration demonstrates how a national payments system can evolve to “support everyday cross-border payments at scale” while enhancing connectivity for travelers and merchants alike. He added that the initiative aligns with broader goals to facilitate digital transactions and trade flows between Malaysia and India.
Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, NPCI International, said that the partnership extends UPI’s operation into new markets and “simplifies QR-based payments between India and Malaysia.” He noted that the project reflects continuing efforts to build interoperable, real-time payment connections with other countries.
