Coinbase has restarted onboarding new users in India, signaling a strategic re-entry into the country’s cryptocurrency market. The exchange plans to launch an Indian Rupee (INR) fiat on-ramp by Q1 2026, enabling direct INR deposits and withdrawals.
- Coinbase has resumed onboarding users in India after a period of restricted access.
- A dedicated INR fiat on-ramp is planned for Q1 2026, enabling direct deposits and withdrawals.
- India has an estimated 30 million active crypto users, representing a major growth market.
- The on-ramp will support BTC-USD and ETH-USD trading pairs, increasing accessibility.
- Successful implementation could boost Coinbase’s India transaction volume by up to 40% in 12 months.
- The move reflects a broader strategy to align with India’s evolving digital asset and central bank digital currency (e₹) frameworks.
Coinbase has formally resumed onboarding new users in India, marking a pivotal shift after a period of restricted access. The move follows evolving regulatory engagement and positions the U.S.-based exchange to capitalize on India’s growing digital asset interest. With over 30 million crypto users estimated in India, the market represents one of the largest untapped opportunities in Asia for global platforms. The company’s next major milestone is the introduction of a dedicated fiat on-ramp for Indian Rupees (INR), scheduled for early 2026. This infrastructure will allow users to deposit and withdraw INR directly through the platform, reducing reliance on third-party intermediaries and improving transaction speed and cost efficiency. The integration is expected to support both BTC-USD and ETH-USD trading pairs, which have seen consistent demand among Indian investors. The restoration of onboarding and the planned on-ramp are key developments for COIN, which has faced headwinds in emerging markets due to regulatory uncertainty. With the Indian government advancing its digital rupee (e₹) framework and increasing scrutiny on crypto compliance, Coinbase’s localized approach could strengthen its long-term foothold. The company’s ability to offer compliant, scalable services may also influence other exchanges to reassess their India strategies. Market participants are closely watching these developments, as the INR on-ramp could drive a significant uptick in trading volume. Analysts project that successful integration could boost Coinbase’s India-based transaction volume by up to 40% within the first 12 months post-launch, particularly for retail investors seeking exposure to BTC-USD and ETH-USD. The move also underscores the broader trend of crypto platforms adapting to localized regulatory environments to achieve sustainable growth.