Coinbase Reopens in India for Millions as Fiat On-Ramp Set for 2026 Relaunch
After more than two years on the sidelines, Coinbase has officially reopened registration for users in India, marking a major re-entry...
Quick overview
- Coinbase has reopened user registration in India after a two-year hiatus, allowing crypto-to-crypto trading while planning a full fiat on-ramp by 2026.
- The exchange previously exited the Indian market in 2022 due to regulatory challenges but has since registered with local authorities to facilitate its return.
- India's crypto market faces significant regulatory hurdles, including a 30% tax on gains and a 1% TDS per transaction, which Coinbase hopes will improve with future reforms.
- Coinbase is expanding its workforce in India and investing in local ventures, signaling its commitment to the region as a key market for global crypto innovation.
After more than two years on the sidelines, Coinbase has officially reopened registration for users in India, marking a major re-entry into one of the world’s largest digital markets. Speaking at India Blockchain Week, John O’Loghlen, Coinbase’s APAC Director, confirmed that while users can currently make crypto-to-crypto trades, a full fiat on-ramp is planned for 2026. That upgrade will allow Indian users to directly load funds and purchase crypto—something the exchange hasn’t offered since 2022.
Why Coinbase Left—and Why It’s Coming Back
Coinbase’s earlier India rollout in 2022 ended abruptly when the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) provider declined to acknowledge its participation in the network. By 2023, the company fully halted operations for Indian customers and encouraged them to close accounts.
O’Loghlen described the offboarding as a deliberate “clean slate” strategy, despite the cost of losing millions of users. Coinbase then began working more closely with Indian regulators, ultimately registering with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) this year.
Key regulatory backdrop:
- India imposes a 30% tax on crypto gains
- No loss offsets allowed
- 1% TDS per transaction, discouraging active trading
Coinbase hopes future tax reforms will ease adoption.
COINBASE NOW OPEN FOR 🇮🇳INDIAN USERS 🚨
After 2 years, Coinbase is back, Indian users can trade crypto to crypto again.
A big global exchange is back, showing India’s crypto market is growing fast
This move proves that big exchanges see India as a long term crypto hub. pic.twitter.com/6CPkit2Uak
— Open4profit (@open4profit) December 8, 2025
India’s Crypto Market: Hard for Exchanges, Big for Growth
India is the world’s second-largest internet market and a priority region for global tech companies. While AI platforms and social media firms have grown rapidly, crypto businesses face a far steeper regulatory climb.
Still, Coinbase is doubling down. Its venture arm recently invested more capital into CoinDCX at a $2.45 billion valuation, signaling confidence in India’s long-term market potential.
What’s Next for Coinbase in India
Coinbase plans to strengthen its presence with new hiring across engineering, compliance, and operations, supporting both domestic and global initiatives.
What users can expect:
- Crypto-to-crypto trading available now
- Progressive onboarding through early-access programs
- Fiat on-ramp coming in 2026
- Expanded India-based workforce (already 500+ employees)
- Continued regulatory engagement to improve tax clarity
With its re-entry, Coinbase is positioning India not just as a customer market, but as a strategic hub for global crypto innovation.
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