Coinbase, the distinguished cryptocurrency exchange from the United States, is making a notable comeback onto Indian soil after crucially shrinking its presence in the country for about two years. In clear terms, the crypto giant has happily begun reenabling application enrollments in a determined attempt to entrench itself once again in India’s actively burgeoning crypto market. Strategic plans to roll out local fiat on-ramps – facilitators of transactions between cryptocurrencies and traditional, government-issued currencies – are also taking shape, set to fully implement by 2026.
A Historical Flashback and Organisational Stride
As we delve into the past, Coinbase halted local Indian operations in September 2023 backed by the reality of a challenging pioneer year in the country, with the local exchange launch having initially happened only a year before in 2022. By that time, the crypto mammoth had managed to amass a massive customer base, reaching millions. These considerable numbers of customers were consequently off-boarded even though they were domiciled and regulated under overseas entities. The primary reason cited was to ensure a clean slate commencing a renewed and bolder acceptance to navigate Indian waters.
The high assurance from John OLoghlen, Coinbase’s APAC Director, makes a promising path forward. He acknowledged the significant previous customer base and asserted the company’s firm stance on beginning with an untarnished slate. Coinbase aims to steer clear of previous hurdles and ensure positive growth in a market which represents substantial potential.
Thriving on Indian Soils, Yet Again
The news of Coinbase returning to India comes with hope and optimism from the company’s end. It brings a renewed vision for burgeoning cryptocurrency enthusiasts in the country. As per recent reports, users will have an immediate facility to undertake crypto-to-crypto trading activities. The initial steps of reintegrating itself within the Indian space involved an early access program for users that began a month prior, around October.
Further adding weight to its efforts, Coinbase recruited Karan Malik as its leading marketing individual for India. Malik, renowned for his past expertise of handling marketing for India Blockchain Week, seemed a fitting choice. This year’s event also saw Coinbase’s involvement as a platinum sponsor, adding further fuel to its renewed march in the country.
Rejuvination of ties: Government Highlights
In efforts to persistently reinforce its ties with the Indian Government, Coinbase sent Katie Mitch, its international policy adviser, to represent the company before India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance. With hopeful intentions, the talks have influenced a potential for bearing fruitful outcomes. Mitch was reassured about the upcoming regulation in India during her integral visit. Separately, Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s IT minister has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Coinbase India to deepen the state’s already existing leadership in block-chain innovation and cybersecurity.
Furthermore, this collaboration will allow the state government to work closely with the exchange platform on startup incubation on Coinbase-backed Base protocol. It will also pave the way for quick adoption of blockchain technology applications in real-world scenarios.
Strengthening the Futuristic Bonds
Coinbase’s plans for India go beyond just a re-entry. It wants to ensure it paves the way for a potential crypto revolution within the country. To help shape this trajectory, the exchange platform obtained a license from India’s Financial Intelligence Unit in March 2025, signifying a potential re-launch in the pipeline.
In alignment with this, Coinbase’s chief legal officer Paul Grewal initiated a conversation with Karnataka’s IT minister Kharge to explore deeper collaboration on areas including developer tools, cybersecurity, and blockchain in governance. Undoubtedly, the future of Coinbase in India seems promising, and it seems ready to tackle and navigate through any challenging regulatory landscapes head-on.
The promising reintroduction of Coinbase to India initiates a new chapter for the country’s rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape. Undoubtedly, this innovative journey will create waves of transformation within the industry and beyond. However, an official statement from Coinbase on its mighty return to India remains awaited as of the time of this update.
