Bitcoin Reserve Pilot Suggested as India Considers Bold Step

Pradeep Bhandari, national spokesperson for India's ruling BJP party, has called on the government to make a bold move toward establishing a national Bitcoin reserve. He thinks India is at an important turning point, where a smart and active cryptocurrency plan could boost the economy. It could make the country a leader in the digital world.

In a recent statement, Bhandari stated, "India is at a critical juncture. A cautious crypto approach, potentially a reserve pilot, would enhance economic resilience and project modernity." He believes starting with a small project using already-seized BTC would let the country try the idea without spending much money.

A Global Shift in Bitcoin Strategy

Globally, governments are now taking this cryptocurrency seriously, not only as a trading tool, but also as a component in their financial strategy. The United States, for instance, established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in January 2025, led by President Donald Trump . This reserve contains more than 200,000 BTC that were previously taken from cybercriminals and is currently worth over $20 billion. The U.S. views this reserve as an inflation hedge. It has already-previewed plans to increase it through budget-neutral mechanisms. Currently BTC is trading at $107,509.13 with a decrease of 0.25% within a day. It has rebounded with less than expected time after going to $100,000, during the Iran and Israel war tensions .

Source: CoinMarketCap

Global institutions are also paying attention.

Both the IMF and SEC now acknowledge BTC as a distinct form of asset. These are creating pressure on other nations, including India to establish their own directions in the expanding digital economy.

India's Crypto Rules: Taxed but Unclear

Cryptocurrency users in India are subjected to heavy taxes but hardly any guidance by the regulators.

• Gains on digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum are subject to a flat 30% tax under Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act.

• The cost of purchase may be deducted by traders, but no other expense or loss can be set off.

• In addition to this, there is a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on every crypto transaction of more than ₹9,500 (approximately $115), levied from either the seller or the buyer.

Though such regulations bring revenue in the form of taxes, the majority opine that they have hindered Indian users from trading or investing without glitches.

Bhandari feels this policy void is preventing India from moving forward. He asserts the government must establish clear guidelines, not only for taxation but for the means by which Bitcoin and other assets are to be utilized for national gain.

Actions Taken by Bhutan and America.

Other countries are demonstrating what can be achieved when there is a robust national strategy. Bhutan has adopted Bitcoin mining through green energy and has constructed reserves worth close to a third of its GDP.

The U.S. is utilizing Bitcoin in its national reserve strategy, utilizing seized funds to hedge against inflation. These daring steps are accelerating digital assets from the periphery towards the mainstream of finance.

India's Opportunity to Lead

India has already contributed towards framing global crypto dialogue. In its G20 presidency in 2023, the nation assisted in facilitating dialogue among the IMF and other international organizations. While India is discussing, however, nations such as the U.S., China, Russia, and Brazil are already operating.

Final Thoughts

Bhandari thinks that India must end the wait for worldwide agreement and start formulating its own Bitcoin strategy. Beginning with a pilot reserve based on seized properties might be a wise and secure initial step.

If this is executed well, it could make India a major contender in digital finance's future.