Coinbase has reinstated new user registrations in India after more than two years of suspension.
This initiative represents its most concerted effort to reestablish a significant presence in one of the world’s most active cryptocurrency markets.
With sign-ups restored, Indian customers can once again trade digital assets through crypto-to-crypto pairs.
Coinbase’s director for Asia-Pacific, John O’Loghlen, shared this update during India Blockchain Week, highlighting the firm’s cautious approach. He explained that this first phase allows the company to return in a controlled manner while navigating India’s complex regulatory landscape.
By focusing on crypto-only transfers for now, the company aims to rebuild trust and operational stability before expanding features.
Fiat Services Targeted for 2026
Building on this initial reopening, Coinbase plans to reintroduce fiat support in 2026. According to TechCrunch, the company intends to allow users to load rupees directly into the app and to make seamless purchases of digital tokens.
This capability was discontinued shortly after its 2022 launch when the operator behind India’s Unified Payments Interface withdrew its support for the platform.
Regulatory Reset and Formal Engagement
The renewed push follows a complete withdrawal from the Indian market in 2023. At the time, Coinbase offboarded millions of users as part of what O’Loghlen described as a “regulatory reset.”
Since then, the exchange has strengthened its compliance framework and has initiated direct engagement with the Financial Intelligence Unit, India’s authority responsible for overseeing financial integrity and anti-fraud standards.
Coinbase secured official registration earlier this year, laying the groundwork for a structured return.
Gradual Testing Ahead of Broad Launch
Before opening registration to the general public, Coinbase quietly tested the waters through an early-access program launched in October. This limited release allowed the company to refine its onboarding systems and ensure alignment with domestic requirements.
The broader rollout that followed represents the next step in restoring full operational capability.
Operating Under India’s Strict Tax Rules
Coinbase’s comeback occurs at a time when the crypto sector continues to adjust to India’s demanding tax regime. Current rules impose a 30% tax on digital-asset profits and mandate a 1% tax deduction at source on every trade, without allowing loss offsets.
Government data indicate that these policies have generated approximately $818 million (₹700 crore) since their implementation in 2022/23. The structure has reshaped trading patterns nationwide, forcing exchanges and investors to re-evaluate their strategies.
Industry participants indicate that these tax requirements have significantly curtailed domestic trading activity. They have further complicated operations, particularly for global firms seeking to expand in India.
Even so, Coinbase’s renewed push suggests the company sees long-term potential in the region despite short-term headwinds.
Expansion Plans and Regional Strategy
Alongside reopening its platform, Coinbase is increasing its investment in CoinDCX, India’s largest crypto exchange, which holds a valuation of $2.45 billion.
The company also plans to expand its local workforce, which currently numbers over 500 employees.
O’Loghlen emphasized that India will serve not only as a core market but also as a strategic base for supporting operations across South Asia and the Middle East, highlighting the region’s broader importance to the company’s global roadmap.
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