Indian investors buy Bitcoin at the bottom, stepping away from the memecoin wave

Indian crypto investors are actively “buying the dip” in Bitcoin and other layer 1 tokens, while maintaining a diversified portfolio, according to CoinDCX exchange.

According to a CoinDCX representative, investor behavior has become significantly more mature compared to the speculative boom period of the past. Instead of chasing highly speculative memecoins like in 2021, investors are now focusing more on fundamental factors and the long-term potential of the digital asset market.

CoinDCX CEO, Mr. Sumit Gupta, stated that Indian investors are no longer driven by sensational news or herd mentality. Instead, they prioritize disciplined accumulation strategies, including regular investment plans into Bitcoin (SIP), placing calculated market orders, and intentionally using limit orders. Besides Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and XRP are also among the preferred assets.

This trend contrasts with the lively trading wave of 2021, when many new investors entered the market with hopes of “100x” returns from Dogecoin-inspired tokens and small-cap projects.

Mr. Gupta believes that current investment activities are more strategic and controlled, rather than emotionally reactive. Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a tool for diversification and long-term wealth accumulation.

This development occurs amid a sharp decline in Bitcoin’s price from its October peak, leading to the weakening of most altcoins. At the same time, the Indian rupee has depreciated against the USD, recently hitting record lows.

Despite market adjustments, trading volume on CoinDCX has increased from approximately $269 million in December to nearly $309 million in January. According to Mr. Gupta, the flow of funds on the platform is now more balanced: some short-term traders are taking profits after buying at low prices, while long-term investors continue to accumulate, viewing this as an attractive opportunity.

India, one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, still maintains a cautious stance toward digital assets. The government classifies crypto as Virtual Digital Assets (VDA) subject to taxation, rather than recognizing it as legal tender. The latest budget continues to impose a 30% tax on crypto profits, with no loss offsetting, along with a 1% withholding tax on each transaction.

Additionally, regulations from the Financial Intelligence Unit require exchanges to implement strict KYC procedures and report user transactions accurately and comprehensively. These measures aim to enhance compliance and limit money laundering and terrorist financing.

Mr. Gupta stated that the 2026 federal budget also proposes tightening compliance obligations for crypto platforms, especially regarding errors in transaction reporting, with the goal of preventing tax evasion in the VDA sector.

He emphasized that CoinDCX will continue to work closely with regulators to promote a safe, innovative, and globally competitive digital asset ecosystem, as the legal framework continues to evolve.

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