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India tops global charts with 119 million crypto users

India Leads with Record 119 Million Crypto Users | Trending Despite Tax Concerns

By

Michael Geddes

Mar 28, 2026, 07:00 PM

Edited By

Emma Zhang

Updated

Mar 29, 2026, 08:00 AM

Brief read

Crowd of young people using smartphones with cryptocurrency symbols around them

India continues to dominate cryptocurrency adoption, boasting 119 million people who own digital assets. This growth occurs amid skepticism surrounding accurate reporting of these figures due to a 40% crypto tax, raising questions about compliance.

The State of Crypto in India

Despite obstacles like high taxation and the 1% TDS, the nation's crypto environment remains strong. Young, tech-savvy individuals and high remittance needs fuel this engagement, alongside the rise of digital payment systems like UPI.

Community Perspectives on Growth and Challenges

Insights from forums reveal mixed sentiments regarding this growth:

  • Skepticism About Actual Users: "With the recent WazirX hack, user numbers could have been even higher than 119 million," one commenter noted, reflecting concerns about declining engagement.

  • Criticism of Investment Trends: Another commented, "Itโ€™s not really crypto adoption if people are investing in meme and MLM coins," questioning the legitimacy of the holdings.

  • On- and Off-ramping Concerns: On a practical note, someone pointed out, "Most on- and off-ramping is now happening through Telegram-based OTC platforms," highlighting the alternative pathways for transactions in the community.

"High taxes might push many traders to the sidelines," reflected a commentator, summarizing worries over the sustainability of this growth.

Key Insights

  • โ˜… 119 million people in India are now crypto holders, leading globally.

  • โŒ High 40% tax raises doubts about real user numbers and actual compliance.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Decline in user numbers noted post-WazirX hack indicates volatility in engagement.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "On- and off-ramping primarily through Telegram-based OTC platforms" reflects current trading practices.

As the digital asset scene in India expands, the demand for clearer regulations and potential tax reform is anticipated. This may invigorate participation and spark discussions about sustainability in the crypto arena.