India Strikes a Balance Between Crypto Oversight and AI-Powered Progress at Blockchain Summit

India Blockchain Month (INBM) 2025, hosted in New Delhi from September 25 to 26, has established itself as a major platform for advancing Web3 technologies, regulatory discussions, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Organized by BlockOn Ventures and Web3preneur, this two-day event brought together more than 250 partners, including over 100 Web3 communities and 100 media organizations, to strengthen India’s role in the worldwide digital asset sector. Coinciding with ETHGlobal Delhi Week, the summit became a focal point for developers, regulators, and investors to tackle pressing issues and opportunities in blockchain and AI.

A highlight of INBM 2025 was the “Regulatory Roundtable,” where industry experts and government officials gathered to examine the country’s shifting crypto regulations. The talks reflected recent policy changes, such as the updated 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) regulation, which now offers a ₹50,000 yearly exemption for smaller investors, and the categorization of

Digital Assets (VDAs) as either utility or security tokens. These regulatory updates are designed to boost compliance while supporting broader participation in the crypto space. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India’s Blockchain Sandbox 2.0, introduced in 2025, is facilitating compliant pilots for DeFi, stablecoins, and CBDCs, marking a move toward more organized innovation.

The summit also showcased India’s rapid adoption of AI, which climbed to 30% in 2025—outpacing the global average of 26%. This surge is fueled by government programs like NITI Aayog’s AIforAll initiative and the Digital India campaign, both of which emphasize integrating AI into sectors such as healthcare, education, and urban development. According to the BCG 2025 Global AI Adoption Report, India’s private sector is at the forefront of applying AI to practical scenarios. At INBM, the intersection of AI and blockchain was a recurring topic, with presenters highlighting how decentralized systems can strengthen data ownership and trust in AI-powered solutions.

Keynote speakers from the industry stressed the importance of clear regulations. Dilip Chenoy, Chairman of the Bharat Web3 Association, called for a regulatory approach that encourages innovation to draw international investment and expertise. Raj Kapoor from the India Blockchain Alliance also emphasized the need to balance regulation with adaptability to ensure innovation isn’t hindered. The roundtable further discussed the upcoming Digital Asset Basic Act, which is expected to establish a thorough legal framework for crypto assets in 2025.

Beyond regulatory matters, the summit addressed the tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWAs). With India’s robust digital infrastructure—demonstrated by UPI’s 4.5 billion monthly transactions—serving as a backbone for Web3 growth, participants explored how blockchain could transform asset management in industries like real estate and supply chains. The focus on community-led innovation highlighted India’s distinctive environment, where grassroots initiatives and institutional backing work hand in hand.

India Blockchain Month 2025 wrapped up with a strong appeal for all stakeholders to work together in crafting a regulatory landscape that matches India’s tech aspirations. As the nation navigates the convergence of AI, blockchain, and policy, the event underscored India’s potential to lead in decentralized technology. With more than 250 partners and a shared vision for the country’s digital progress, INBM 2025 laid the groundwork for ongoing advancement in the Web3 and AI arenas.