Indian PM Modi calls for global cryptocurrency framework at G20 Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for global collaboration on formulating crypto regulations during the annual Group of 20 (G20) summit. As president of the G20, India has taken up the task of advocating for a comprehensive global framework for regulating cryptocurrencies.

The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union, representing the world’s major developed and emerging economies, and it leads international economic cooperation that plays a critical role in strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.

During an interview with a local daily, the Indian PM talked about the role of emerging technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrency. Modi noted that the nature of such emerging technologies will have an impact on the global scale. Thus, the rules, regulations and framework around it should not belong to one country or a group of countries.

Modi cited the example of the aviation industry and said just like air traffic control or air security have common global rules and regulations, emerging technologies like cryptocurrency should also see a worldly consensus. He further added that India is doing its part in the crypto regulatory conversation:

“India’s G20 presidency expanded the crypto conversation beyond financial stability to consider its broader macroeconomic implications, especially for emerging markets and developing economies. Our presidency also hosted enriching seminars and discussions, deepening insights into crypto assets.”

India released its presidency note that included its input on the global framework for crypto. The suggestions on the crypto framework were aligned with the guidelines written by the Financial Stability Board FSB, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The note also contained additional suggestions with a focus on developing economies.

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India has been advocating for a global crypto framework for quite some time, however, back home, the crypto regulatory environment is still shrouded in complexities, lack of clarity and high taxations. The country imposed a 30% tax on crypto gains in 2022, quite akin to its gambling taxation leading to a mass exodus of budding crypto companies and a sharp decline in crypto trading activity.

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