Indian Minister’s Crypto Holdings Grow Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

Indian Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary's cryptocurrency investments surged 19% to $25,500 (₹21.31 lakh), marking the second consecutive year a cabinet member disclosed digital asset holdings. His spouse's portfolio also grew 18% to $26,800 (₹22.42 lakh). These disclosures come as India retains its top position in Chainalysis' Global Crypto Adoption Index for 2025, despite lacking a clear regulatory framework.

A Mudrex survey of over 9,000 Indians revealed overwhelming support for crypto regulation, with 93% advocating for clear rules and 84% criticizing the current 30% tax rate as unfair compared to equities' 12.5% rate. The Reserve Bank of India's persistent opposition has stalled policy progress, with internal documents warning that regulation could grant crypto unwarranted legitimacy while stablecoins might fragment the country's UPI payment system.