Coinbase resumes India operations with crypto-only trading after regulatory suspension
Summary
- Coinbase has reopened access to Indian users after a two-year freeze due to payment and regulatory issues.
- The service is limited to crypto-to-crypto transactions, with INR deposits and withdrawals deferred until a planned fiat increase in 2026.
- The restart follows FIU registration and a phased rollout, signaling an attempt to re-enter India despite strict tax regulations.
Coinbase has reopened access to Indian users after a two-year suspension due to regulatory pressure on payment channels, the cryptocurrency exchange announced.
The company confirmed that it reopened registrations in October through an early access phase before expanding nationwide. According to the platform, Indian users can now switch between cryptocurrencies, transfer assets and access both Simple Trade and Advanced Trade interfaces. Users can also access it Coinbase Wallet for self-management, NFT interaction and decentralized applications.
Coinbase in India
The reopening follows Coinbase’s registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit in March 2025. The registration requirement provides oversight of financial operations and enhances monitoring of anti-fraud measures, as per regulatory guidelines.
Coinbase ceased operations in 2023 after the National Payments Corporation of India rejected the use of the Unified Payments Interface. The suspension resulted in a complete off-boarding of Indian customers. Company executives said at the time that the decision was necessary to restructure operations while complying with regulations.
Current access remains limited to crypto-to-crypto functions. Users cannot deposit or withdraw Indian Rupees from the platform. The exchange stated that a fully integrated fiat-on-ramp is planned for 2026, allowing users to link bank accounts for instant cash-to-crypto transactions.
India maintains a 30 percent tax on cryptocurrency profits and imposes a 1 percent deduction on each transaction. Despite the tax climate, Coinbase has invested in local platforms, including CoinDCX, and increased local hiring, according to company statements.
Coinbase executives stated that the restart recognizes India’s position in global cryptocurrency adoption. The company reported that millions of customers used the platform for transactions before disembarking. Company statements emphasized the goal of rebuilding trust through regulated activities.
The phased return model provides structured access for users, partners and regulators as India’s digital asset regulations continue to evolve, market observers said.
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