Coinbase initially entered India with much fanfare in April 2022, launching support for the country’s popular United Payments Interface (UPI). However, just three days later, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) refused to recognize Coinbase’s operations, leading to a swift suspension of services. Additionally, India's strict tax policies—including a 30% tax on crypto income and a 1% transaction levy—have long discouraged retail investment and hindered liquidity for foreign exchanges.
Other major players like Binance and Kraken have faced similar regulatory scrutiny in India. Notably, Binance eventually resumed operations after complying with FIU requirements, setting a potential precedent for Coinbase.
Coinbase is now taking a similar approach, actively working to obtain an FIU license and meet all regulatory obligations. While the timeline for its relaunch remains uncertain, industry analysts are optimistic. “Huge liquidity could flow in from this,” noted analyst Kyle Chassé, highlighting the potential market impact.
Coinbase’s positive news has already influenced its market perception, with Coinbase stock (COIN) trading at $274.80 as of this writing. If successful, a reentry into India could unlock significant liquidity and further expand Coinbase’s global footprint in the crypto space.