NPCI International inks partnership with Razorpay Curlec to introduce UPI payments in Malaysia

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), said on Tuesday that it has inked a partnership with Razorpay Curlec to enable UPI transactions in Malaysia.

This integration will allow Indian travellers visiting Malaysia to make instant, secure payments to local merchants who accept payments directly via Razorpay Curlec’s platform using their preferred UPI-enabled apps. This strategic partnership was formalised during the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025.

By connecting to UPI, Malaysian businesses can tap into a rapidly growing base of Indian travellers who trust UPI’s ease of use—unlocking new revenue streams with minimal friction while benefiting from local settlement and compliance. This partnership will also facilitate seamless and inclusive digital commerce between India and Malaysia, enabling an efficient cross-border payment connectivity and supporting Malaysia’s rapidly growing digital economy.

“We are focused on expanding UPI’s global presence to make digital payments more accessible and seamless for Indians travelling abroad. Our partnership with Razorpay Curlec marks a major step in enabling UPI acceptance in Malaysia, offering Indian visitors a secure and convenient way to pay local merchants,” said Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of NPCI International Payments Limited, in a statement.

Speaking on the partnership, Shashank Kumar, MD and co-founder, Razorpay, said, “UPI has totally changed the way India pays, showing what’s possible when innovation and inclusion come together at scale. Now, with Curlec, we’re bringing that same energy to Malaysia—helping businesses and travellers enjoy the speed, trust, and simplicity that make India’s digital payments so powerful. This isn’t just about payments; it’s about creating a truly borderless fintech future across Asia.”

According to Kevin Lee, country head and CEO of Razorpay Curlec, Indian travellers are among 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 transactions simpler for consumers and more rewarding for Malaysian businesses. It is a meaningful step toward frictionless payments and a stronger, digitally connected economy,” he added.

Over one million Indian tourists visited Malaysia in 2024, with a 71.7% rise from the previous year, highlighting India’s growing economic influence in the region.