Coinbase has reopened signups for users in India. This marks its first significant return to the market since halting services in 2023 following regulatory pressure on payment infrastructure. The exchange is allowing crypto-to-crypto trading while it works to reintroduce a fiat on-ramp in 2026. The shift follows a phased reengagement with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit, where the company completed registration earlier this year.
The move comes after a period of strict oversight that forced Coinbase to withdraw support for local payment rails and off-board millions of users. India remains one of the most complex major markets for digital-asset platforms due to its 30% flat tax on gains, restrictions on loss offsets, and a 1% transaction levy that reduces trading activity. Despite these pressures, the market remains strategically significant given the country’s large retail user base and growing institutional interest in blockchain development.
Coinbase is continuing to expand its local footprint, signaling a long-term commitment to India’s digital-asset ecosystem. The firm recently increased its stake in local exchange CoinDCX and plans to grow its more than 500-person workforce across engineering and product operations. The reopening of signups positions Coinbase to rebuild its presence, though broader market recovery may hinge on tax and compliance reforms that remain under discussion.
