“Only when Web3 feels as intuitive as UPI will the masses move from Web2 to Web3,” Sathvik Vishwanath, Co-Founder & CEO, Unocoin

India’s crypto journey is at a pivotal moment. With over 2.26 million users  Unocoin stands as a key enabler of this transformation. As the country increasingly explores decentralized finance, Unocoin’s evolving focus on user-centric innovation, stablecoins, and the Lightning Network is shaping what everyday crypto usage may look like in the next five years.

A few years ago, Unocoin was mostly a platform for early adopters experimenting with Bitcoin. Fast forward to today, and it has become a trusted on-ramp and off-ramp for Indians navigating everything from long-term investments to international payments and now—potentially—everyday purchases. This change in behavior is powered by both necessity and design.

The recent macroeconomic headwinds, including inflation and tightening regulations, have pushed Indian users to look beyond speculative trading. Today, users want security, utility, and trust—and Unocoin is responding by improving KYC standards, enabling risk-based withdrawal systems, and integrating institutional-grade wallet security.

Importantly, the company’s user education initiatives have also made crypto more accessible to cautious retail investors who now demand clarity alongside innovation.

The Lightning Network offers Unocoin an opportunity to bring Bitcoin and Tether (USDT) into real-world utility without the bottlenecks of Layer 1 blockchain fees or delays. With Lightning, Bitcoin transactions can now settle in milliseconds and at a fraction of a rupee—making it feasible for micro-transactions, cross-border gig economy payments, and even merchant settlements.

India’s UPI has already demonstrated that the country is ready for real-time, low-cost digital payments. Lightning Network aims to match that level of speed and reliability—but on a global, permissionless scale. For Unocoin, integrating Bitcoin and USDT on Lightning means offering a truly borderless experience without compromising on user familiarity.

Tether, especially, holds unique appeal for Indians who want to hedge against INR volatility or receive international freelance payments without going through high-fee remittance services. The ability to move funds from Tether to Bitcoin to INR seamlessly—and instantly—is where Unocoin’s infrastructure is headed.

Yes—and especially for cross-border use cases. In a country with millions of freelancers, IT workers, and students abroad, the need for stable, fast, and cost-effective payment rails is more critical than ever. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC bring price predictability while operating 24/7 across borders—something traditional remittance systems simply can’t match.

Stablecoins can also act as a bridge between traditional finance and DeFi, allowing even conservative investors to enter the ecosystem with minimized volatility risk. Platforms like Unocoin serve as the local interface to these global assets, allowing users to trade, transfer, and store stablecoins while complying with Indian KYC norms.

In terms of speed and cost—absolutely. Remittance through traditional channels can take 1–3 business days and cost 3–7% in fees. The Lightning Network allows near-zero-fee settlement within seconds, without central gatekeepers or banking hours. For example, a $200 remittance might cost less than 1 cent on Lightning, versus ₹700–₹1,400 through Western Union.

Where Lightning still lags is accessibility and fiat on/off ramps, which platforms like Unocoin are working to bridge. With increased awareness, user-friendly apps, and regulatory clarity, Lightning can become a strong alternative for global money movement—especially in smaller remittance corridors often underserved by banks.

The 30% flat tax on crypto profits and 1% TDS on each transaction has undoubtedly discouraged high-frequency trading and discouraged new investors. However, for those using crypto for global payments, remittances, or long-term wealth preservation, the value proposition remains strong.

For example, if an Indian freelancer receives payment in USDT, converts to INR through Unocoin, and withdraws—there’s no capital gain, only TDS. With proper documentation, even TDS can be claimed during ITR filing. The taxation policy has made investors more compliant and long-term oriented, favoring genuine users over speculative gamblers.

To power global, borderless transactions, India—and the world—must bridge several critical gaps:

• Fiat on/off ramps with near-instant conversion

• Regulatory clarity that supports innovation without criminalizing usage

• Better UX/UI for wallets and decentralized platforms

Only when Web3 feels as intuitive as UPI will the masses move from Web2 to Web3. The backend can be complex, but the front end must be frictionless.

India will play a huge role in the next wave of global blockchain innovation. By 2030, the most valuable professionals will not just be developers—but cross-disciplinary thinkers who understand:

• Smart contract auditing (security-first coding)

• Tokenomics and economic design

• Web3 legal frameworks and compliance

• Community building and DAO management

• Cross-chain communication protocols

Colleges, ed-tech platforms, and companies  must invest now in structured blockchain education, real-world projects, and mentorship. India’s current IT talent can be reskilled to lead the decentralized future if guided properly.