India Considers Bitcoin Reserve After U.S. Crypto Surge
India Considers Bitcoin Reserve as U.S. Sparks Global Crypto Momentum
India’s potential shift toward a national Bitcoin reserve is gaining attention after Pradeep Bhandari, a prominent leader from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggested that the government consider adopting Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. His proposal comes amid a global wave of enthusiasm following the United States’ recent policy moves to institutionalize Bitcoin and other digital assets.
U.S. Bitcoin Policy Fuels Global Race
The United States has significantly altered the global crypto landscape through a series of aggressive and forward-thinking initiatives. In March 2025, the U.S. government established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile, positioning itself at the forefront of digital monetary infrastructure. These moves have triggered what many analysts describe as a new era of Bitcoin FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) among nations that fear being left behind in the race for digital asset supremacy.
Bhandari Urges India to Act
In response to these developments, Bhandari emphasized the importance of India not missing out on this opportunity. He argued that if India fails to act quickly, it risks falling behind both economically and strategically. A Bitcoin reserve, he said, could serve multiple purposes:
Strengthening financial resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty
Diversifying India’s foreign asset holdings
Aligning with global crypto trends to remain competitive
Positioning India as a crypto-forward economy
Strategic and Economic Implications
The idea of holding Bitcoin as a reserve asset is not just symbolic. It reflects a growing global trend of viewing cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, as digital commodities with long-term value. If India were to implement such a reserve, it would signal a significant shift in monetary policy and a potential redefinition of the Reserve Bank of India’s asset management framework.
Supporters argue that this move could enhance India’s stature in the Web3 economy, attract international capital, and give India a leading voice in shaping global crypto regulation.
Challenges and Risks
Despite growing momentum, the proposal is not without challenges. Critics warn that Bitcoin’s price volatility, lack of regulatory clarity, and potential for misuse pose significant risks. Additionally, India's historical stance on crypto has been cautious, with regulators and policymakers divided on the subject.
Any plan to introduce a Bitcoin reserve would require a balanced approach—one that includes clear legislative frameworks, risk mitigation strategies, and integration with India’s broader economic vision.