The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has dismissed viral social media claims suggesting that the Union Finance Ministry has directed the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India to explore crypto regulation in the country. Calling the reports completely false, the government clarified that no such instructions have been issued and reiterated that India does not recognise cryptocurrencies as an asset.

The clarification comes amid renewed public discussion around digital currencies following sharp volatility in global crypto markets and speculation over possible policy changes in India.

PIB rejects claims on crypto regulation

In a post issued through its official social media account, the PIB categorically stated that reports claiming the Finance Ministry had asked the RBI and SEBI to consider crypto regulation were fake.

The agency emphasised that India continues to maintain its existing position on cryptocurrencies and that no fresh directive has been issued to financial regulators regarding crypto regulation.

The PIB also advised citizens to rely only on official government communication and verified sources while sharing or consuming information related to financial policies.

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The government clarified that recognising crypto regulation would effectively imply acknowledging cryptocurrencies as a recognised asset class, something India has not done. (AI-Generated)
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The government clarified that recognising crypto regulation would effectively imply acknowledging cryptocurrencies as a recognised asset class, something India has not done. (AI-Generated)

India’s stand on crypto regulation remains unchanged

The government clarified that recognising crypto regulation would effectively imply acknowledging cryptocurrencies as a recognised asset class, something India has not done.

Although cryptocurrencies are subject to taxation under existing laws, the government has consistently maintained that taxation should not be interpreted as legal recognition or endorsement.

The clarification reinforces that India’s policy approach towards crypto regulation remains unchanged and that any future decision would be announced only through official channels.

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The clarification reinforces that India's policy approach towards crypto regulation remains unchanged and that any future decision would be announced only through official channels. (AI)
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The clarification reinforces that India’s policy approach towards crypto regulation remains unchanged and that any future decision would be announced only through official channels. (AI)

Fake claims surface amid crypto market volatility

The misinformation emerged at a time when global cryptocurrency markets have been witnessing significant fluctuations. Bitcoin and several other digital assets have experienced sharp corrections amid concerns over global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

Market analysts believe investors have increasingly shifted capital towards traditional safe-haven assets such as gold and US Treasury securities, reducing appetite for riskier investments.

Against this backdrop, speculation surrounding crypto regulation has gained momentum across social media platforms. However, the PIB has made it clear that there has been no change in India’s official policy.

As debates around digital assets continue worldwide, the government’s latest clarification aims to prevent misinformation while reaffirming that any decision related to crypto regulation will be communicated only through formal government announcements.