India’s leadership is contemplating how to take a balanced stance on cryptocurrencies. The government is in the process of finalizing legislation on the crypto-asset industry which may be presented this year in the coming winter session of Parliament. A source close to the administration revealed that an absolute ban on cryptocurrency would be extreme and unfeasible considering the large-scale investments by both retail and institutions in India.
The government source speculated that the upcoming laws will be more balanced and is likely to address all relevant concerns of the stakeholders. In an interview with a leading newspaper, the person stated,
A balance has to be found. A middle path that balances the concerns of all stakeholders is more likely.
Recently, a meeting was held in the presence of policymakers, including from the finance ministry, which discussed the benefits and pitfalls with regards to other country’s regulatory stances on the cryptocurrency industry. The detailed presentation also weighed in on the crypto investments steered by Indians.
To top that, the Reserve Bank of India’s [RBI] position on the issue was put forward in the meeting. The gov representative divulged that the taxation part arising out of crypto trading would be discussed and finalized in the next scheduled presentation. The source also mentioned it would then go to the Cabinet for final considerations after the legal vetting.
Indian gov’s position on cryptocurrency
Previously, a high-profile government panel proposed a total ban on all forms of cryptocurrencies back in 2019. Subsequently, it had introduced a fine of up to $33.74 million and jail terms of 10 years to any individual dealing in them.
The hard-stance drastically changed when in August this year, India’s Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had stressed that the government would not put a blanket ban on the crypto assets but would instead adopt a “wait and watch” approach to understand how this emerging sector would benefit the fintech industry at its maximum potential.
To sum things up, the Indian government and the regulatory agencies have so far failed to provide much-needed clarity in finalizing the rules that could benefit the crypto players and other stakeholders. Only time will tell if the authorities are able to stitch a “balanced” yet progressive crypto law.