
Stellar
XLMRank #19What is Stellar?
Stellar is an open-source, decentralized network co-founded in 2014 by Jed McCaleb and Joyce Kim to facilitate the fast and low-cost transfer of value across different currencies and assets globally. Managed by the non-profit Stellar Development Foundation, the project serves as a global infrastructure that connects banks, payment systems, and individuals to expand financial access to underserved populations. Its main value proposition lies in providing a bridge between traditional money and digital networks through the use of Anchors, which are trusted entities that hold deposits and issue credits on the ledger.
The network operates using the Stellar Consensus Protocol and a Federated Byzantine Agreement, where nodes choose trusted sets of other nodes to agree on the state of the ledger. This system ensures high throughput and fast finality, where transactions are considered permanent and irreversible within seconds. Key features include a built-in distributed exchange for trading assets without intermediaries and the Soroban platform for developing smart contracts. Users can also utilize the network for tokenizing real-world assets or accessing decentralized finance services like peer-to-peer lending.
How to Buy Stellar in India
The easiest way to buy Stellar (XLM) in India is through an FIU-registered Indian exchange. Here's how:
- Create an exchange account: pick an exchange that appears on the FIU-IND register and complete KYC verification (Aadhaar and PAN).
- Deposit INR: add funds by UPI, IMPS or bank transfer.
- Search for XLM: use the search bar to find Stellar, then tap it to open the trading pair.
- Place your order: enter the amount in INR you want to invest. Use a market order to buy now, or a limit order to set your price.
- Secure your holdings: your XLM sits in your exchange wallet. For large amounts, consider moving it to a hardware wallet.
Tax on Stellar in India
30% flat tax on all crypto profits under Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act. No deductions allowed except cost of acquisition.
1% TDS on all crypto transactions above ₹10,000 under Section 194S. This is deducted automatically by Indian exchanges and can be claimed as credit when filing ITR.
Losses from Stellar trading cannot be set off against gains from other cryptocurrencies or any other income. Each transaction is taxed independently.
For a complete breakdown of crypto taxation in India, including ITR filing steps and airdrop rules, read our Crypto Tax India 2026 Guide.
Related Crypto Terms
Explore More Tools
Use our free trading tools to analyze Stellar and other cryptocurrencies.