Coinbase resumes Indian operations with crypto-only trading after regulatory-driven suspension.
Summary
- Coinbase has reopened access to Indian users after a two-year halt tied to payment and regulatory issues.
- Service is limited to crypto-to-crypto trades, with INR deposits and withdrawals postponed until a planned 2026 fiat on-ramp.
- The restart follows FIU registration and a phased rollout, signaling a bid to re-enter India despite strict tax rules.
Coinbase has reopened access for Indian users following a two-year suspension triggered by regulatory pressure on payment channels, the cryptocurrency exchange announced.
The company confirmed it reopened registrations through an early-access phase in October before expanding nationwide. Indian users can now exchange between cryptocurrencies, transfer assets, and access both Simple Trade and Advanced Trade interfaces, according to the platform. Users also have access to Coinbase Wallet for self-custody, 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 activity and enhances monitoring of anti-fraud measures, according to regulatory guidelines.
Coinbase halted operations in 2023 after the National Payments Corporation of India rejected its use of the Unified Payments Interface. The suspension resulted in complete off-boarding of Indian customers. Company executives stated at the time the decision was necessary to restructure operations under regulatory compliance.
Current access remains limited to crypto-to-crypto functions. Users cannot deposit or withdraw Indian Rupees from the platform. The exchange stated a fully integrated fiat on-ramp is planned for 2026, which would enable users to connect bank accounts for direct cash-to-crypto transactions.
India maintains a 30 percent tax on cryptocurrency gains and imposes a 1 percent deduction on each transaction. Despite the tax environment, Coinbase has made investments in local platforms including CoinDCX and increased local hiring, according to company statements.
Coinbase executives stated the restart recognizes India’s position in global cryptocurrency adoption. The company reported millions of customers used the platform for transactions before off-boarding. Company statements emphasized the goal of rebuilding trust through regulated operations.
The phased return model provides structured access for users, partners and regulators as India’s digital asset regulatory environment continues to develop, according to market observers.
