As you know, the Union budget will be presented on February 1, 2024. The Web3/Blockchain/Crypto sector has highlighted some critical issues like taxation, the definition of VDAs, startup tax holidays, and Web3 special economic zones.
Manhar Garegrat, Country Head, India & Global Partnerships at Liminal Custody Solutions: As India strides towards the forefront of the digital asset revolution, secure custody solutions are laying the foundation for a new era of financial inclusion. However, unlocking the full potential of this transformative asset class demands a robust ecosystem built on clarity, innovation, and talent. The upcoming Union Budget 2023 presents a pivotal opportunity to pave the way for a thriving digital asset landscape, and Liminal proposes the following key expectations:
- Clarity in VDA Definition and Tokenization:
The current broad definition of virtual digital assets (VDAs) in Notification No. 74 of 2022 must be more nuanced. The tokenization of real-world assets is a $10 trillion opportunity, and we are already witnessing rapid advancements in tokenized RWAs. There is an urgent need for investment and innovation in these segments. If nurtured with progressive policies, India has the potential to become a global leader in the digital asset space. We urge the government to amend the VDA definition, explicitly excluding tokenized assets with proven underlying value, similar to established precedents like gift card exemptions. This targeted revision will foster a dynamic and inclusive digital asset ecosystem.
- Removal of 1% TDS:
The introduction of a 1% tax deduction at source (TDS) in 2022 led to an estimated loss of $420 million in potential government revenue due to the migration of Indian crypto traders to overseas platforms. This highlights the detrimental impact of policies disincentivizing domestic participation in the digital asset market. We propose offering tax breaks to develop blockchain security infrastructure and implement advanced security protocols. This incentive will attract investment, generate high-skilled jobs, and solidify India’s position as a global leader in secure digital asset custody. Just like stocks, users should be allowed to offset losses related to digital assets, which will encourage more startups to enter this space. The government should create special economic zones for Web3 startups and offer tax holidays to startups during their initial years so that entrepreneurs can focus on innovation and product development without worrying about cash flows.
- Prioritising Research and Development:
We urge the government to create equal opportunities for Web3 projects by enabling active participation in government sandboxes. The requirements for inclusion in government sandboxes should be more relaxed to create a more inclusive and encouraging Web3 startup ecosystem. Excluding digital assets from such initiatives may not unlock the full potential of blockchain projects and could limit their long-term viability. Fostering a culture of innovation in blockchain-based security solutions and compliance tools is crucial to ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the digital asset ecosystem. India’s vibrant tech landscape presents an ideal breeding ground for developing cutting-edge technology solutions. We call for strategic investments in research and development (R&D) initiatives focused on digital asset security and compliance. This commitment will empower Indian companies to contribute significantly to global solutions and maintain India’s competitive edge in digital assets.
Shivam Thakral, CEO of BuyUcoin, India’s second-longest-digital asset exchange: The Indian crypto industry stands between boundless potential and frustrating limbo. In the upcoming budget, we urge the government to replace uncertainty with clarity, not with a heavy hand but with a guiding light. A well-defined legal framework can unlock trust and fuel growth. This framework should address taxation complexities by establishing clear guidelines for income and transactions, not as barriers but as stepping stones. Exchange licensing protocols should not be shackles but a badge of honor, ensuring responsible participation.
Seamless integration with traditional finance is possible by fostering collaboration and driving mainstream adoption. We understand the need for investor protection, but overzealous regulations could hurt our nascent ecosystem. Let’s find the sweet spot that fosters innovation while ensuring responsible participation, allowing India’s crypto industry to bloom, attract global players, and nurture domestic startups.
Clarity alone isn’t enough. Imagine India as a fertile field; crypto and blockchain are the seeds waiting to sprout. We need tax incentives and sandboxes to nurture these seeds into thriving startups. Sandbox initiatives need protection to foster experimentation. This will create a new generation of jobs, propel India into the global DeFi and blockchain space, and unlock economic growth. By embracing crypto with vision and collaboration, India can lead the world towards a digitally inclusive financial future, leaving competitors in the shade.