National, 20 February 2026: PhonePe today announced the launch of an AI-powered natural language search feature built using Microsoft Foundry. This feature enables PhonePe users to initiate and complete in-app tasks via natural language text or voice commands, enhancing convenience and bringing personalization to the platform’s overall experience.
The feature uses capabilities enabled by Microsoft Foundry to replace traditional navigation with intent-based routing, directly guiding users to their intended destination. For instance, a request such as “Pay Hemanth 20 rupees” automatically launches the payment interface with the recipient pre-selected or displays all relevant contacts named Hemanth. Similarly, commands like “Recharge FASTag” or “Gold price” navigate the user to the appropriate page or surface with the most relevant information or transactional options.
Beyond simple transactions, this feature captures insights and can interpret whether a user is trying to make a payment, complete a purchase, or reach support for help. All of this is achieved via a hybrid model that combines local on-device and cloud inferencing, while keeping all processing secure and ensuring privacy with no personal or transactional data leaving the PhonePe environment.
Speaking on the launch, Rahul Chari, Founder, Whole-time Director & CTO, PhonePe, said: “For years, payment apps have been built as utilitarian tools, optimized for transactions and not people. This launch is the first step towards changing that. Our vision is to make payments accessible to every Indian, and AI enables us to build an intelligent interface that anticipates what users need before they even go looking for it. Through our collaboration with Microsoft, we aim to simplify payments further by understanding intent, not just inputs. And we believe intelligence at the edge is the future and the most thoughtful way to deliver real value without compromising on privacy or security.”
Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia said: “As more Indians embrace natural language to interact with digital services, PhonePe’s new AI-powered experience is a strong step toward more intuitive and accessible digital payments. Microsoft Foundry provides the underlying capabilities that help innovators like PhonePe build secure, scalable and human-centred products for millions. We’re committed to supporting India’s digital ecosystem with trusted AI that empowers organisations to deliver simpler and more meaningful customer experiences.”
The feature will be rolled out in phases to users across India. Users can access the feature via the Global Search Bar, Help Center and the History tab on the PhonePe payments app.
Read more: Umma Saini Joins PhonePe as Director – Creative & Content
