8th December 2025 – Coinbase has officially resumed user registrations in India. The exchange paused operations more than two years ago due to regulatory friction. Now, Indian users can once again trade crypto-to-crypto on the Coinbase app.
The announcement came during India Blockchain Week on December 8, 2025. Speaking at the event, John O’Loghlen, Coinbase’s Asia-Pacific director, confirmed the company’s broader plans. Coinbase will introduce a fiat on-ramp in 2026. This will allow users in India to deposit rupees and buy digital assets directly within the app.
Key Takeaways
- Coinbase has reopened registrations in India, allowing crypto-to-crypto trading after a two-year break.
- The exchange plans to add a fiat on-ramp in 2026, letting users deposit INR to buy crypto directly.
- Coinbase has registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Despite strict taxes, Coinbase is investing further in India, including backing CoinDCX at a $2.45B valuation.
A Clean Slate Strategy
Coinbase initially launched in India in 2022. However, the company faced challenges almost immediately. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which runs the UPI system, declined to support Coinbase’s payment links. As a result, Coinbase withdrew support for Indian customers. By 2023, the company had fully offboarded all Indian users.
O’Loghlen explained that Coinbase wanted to reset its approach. “We took a very clear stance to off-board those customers entirely… because we wanted a clean slate here,” he said. He acknowledged the commercial risk of walking away from millions of users but said it was necessary to rebuild trust with regulators.
FIU Registration and App Reopening
In 2025, Coinbase began formal engagement with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The FIU oversees compliance, fraud monitoring, and reporting in India. Coinbase secured its registration earlier this year.
In October 2025, Coinbase quietly started onboarding users under an early access program. Now, the app is available to all Indian users for crypto-to-crypto trading.
Crypto Still Faces Roadblocks in India
History & Major Events in Cryptocurrency (India)
Year / Period
Event / Development
Details / Impact
2011–2013
Early Crypto Interest in India Begins
Tech communities start engaging with
Bitcoin; first small exchanges appear and some businesses experiment with BTC payments.
2013
RBI Issues First Warning
RBI warns citizens about crypto risks (volatility, security, legal uncertainty).
2014–2017
Rapid Growth of Indian Crypto Exchanges
Major platforms like Zebpay, Unocoin, Coinsecure, Koinex grow as public awareness increases.
2017
Crypto Boom During Demonetisation Era
Digital payments surge;
Bitcoin adoption spikes as alternative investment popularity rises.
2018
RBI Banking Ban
RBI prohibits banks from supporting crypto businesses — many exchanges shut down or move overseas.
2020
Supreme Court Lifts RBI Ban
The ban is declared unconstitutional; crypto
trading revives and exchanges return to growth.
2021–2022
Mass Adoption + Regulatory Discussions
India becomes one of the world’s largest crypto markets; draft bills discussed for regulation and banning private cryptos (not passed).
2022
Crypto Taxation Introduced
30% tax on gains + 1% TDS on trades ->
trading volumes drop significantly on Indian exchanges.
2023
Crypto Under PMLA Regulation
Crypto exchanges classified as VASPs must follow anti-money-laundering and KYC rules.
2024–2025
High Adoption Despite Regulation
India ranks among the top countries in global
crypto adoption; regulations continue evolving but crypto remains legal as an asset.
India remains a difficult market for crypto platforms. The country imposes a 30% tax on digital asset income. Users cannot offset losses. Additionally, a 1% tax deduction applies to every crypto trade. These rules make frequent trading costly and unattractive.
Despite this, Coinbase remains committed. The company has invested further in CoinDCX, India’s largest crypto exchange. The deal values CoinDCX at $2.45 billion post-money.
Coinbase has also announced plans to expand its local team, which already has over 500 employees. It views India as a key growth market and a gateway to broader South Asia and Middle East expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coinbase now available in India?
Yes.
Coinbase has reopened registrations for Indian users. Crypto-to-crypto
trading is now live on the app.
Can I buy crypto using INR right now?
Not yet. However,
Coinbase plans to add a fiat on-ramp in 2026 so users can deposit INR and buy crypto easily.
Why did Coinbase shut down earlier?
Coinbase paused operations in 2022 after NPCI distanced itself from the platform. As a result, the company offboarded all Indian users to rebuild its regulatory approach.
Is Coinbase now compliant with Indian regulations?
Yes.
Coinbase now registers with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and follows India’s legal requirements.
What taxes apply to crypto trading in India?
India charges a 30% tax on crypto gains. You cannot offset losses. Additionally, every transaction includes a 1% TDS.
Is Coinbase investing in Indian crypto firms?
Yes.
Coinbase has invested in CoinDCX, valuing it at $2.45 billion. Moreover, it plans to expand its India-based team.
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