Coinbase Explores Blockchain Partnership with Karnataka Government
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Strategic discussions underway to drive India’s digital public infrastructure with blockchain and developer tools
Coinbase has taken a major step toward reestablishing its presence in India as its legal chief, Paul Grewal, recently met with Karnataka’s IT Minister Priyank Kharge to explore blockchain collaboration in governance and cybersecurity.
The high-level meeting marked a turning point in the crypto exchange’s strategy to contribute to India’s expanding digital public infrastructure, signaling renewed intent to build relationships at the state level.
Coinbase Seeks Deeper Role in Indian Web3 Ecosystem
Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s chief legal officer, described the talks as productive and forward-looking. He emphasized supporting Karnataka’s leadership in the tech space through blockchain-enabled solutions, including developer tools, cybersecurity initiatives, and capacity-building programs.
“The future is onchain — and it’s being built here,” Grewal stated, underscoring Coinbase’s vision for decentralized development in India.
Minister Priyank Kharge echoed similar enthusiasm, revealing plans to simplify blockchain application development through Coinbase’s platform, and hinted at future joint hackathons and incubation support.
Karnataka Eyes Blockchain in Governance
The Karnataka government has made its interest in blockchain integration clear, especially in governance and digital service delivery. According to Kharge, the state is “keen on exploring” blockchain technology for public infrastructure, with conversations extending to cybersecurity and training programs.
“We discussed how their platform is enabling developers to build onchain applications with ease,” Kharge shared, reflecting a push to modernize government processes using blockchain tools.
Karnataka has previously experimented with blockchain awareness campaigns, including a 2017 seminar on Bitcoin and distributed ledger technology. Now, the ambition appears to extend toward real-world implementation.
While India’s regulatory stance on crypto has been traditionally cautious, recent policy momentum suggests a shifting landscape. Reports of Coinbase engaging regulators and joining U.S.-India fintech forums point to a strategic reentry into the Indian market.
The COINS Act proposal, though not yet law, reflects industry efforts to shape transparent guidelines, potentially opening the door for global players like Coinbase.
By aligning with regional governments like Karnataka, Coinbase appears to be positioning itself as a partner in India’s digital transformation—not just a trading platform, but an infrastructure ally.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.
