In 2020, India took decisive action by banning several Chinese apps from its app marketplaces, citing national security concerns. This decision followed a deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, which resulted in the loss of many Indian soldiers’ lives. The strained relations between the two nations led the Indian government to restrict over 200 apps linked to Chinese firms, citing data security and privacy risks.
However, with diplomatic ties showing signs of recovery, a noticeable shift is occurring. Several previously banned Chinese apps have discreetly resurfaced on platforms like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Interestingly, some of these applications have returned under new names and identities, though TikTok, one of the most prominent apps, remains absent from the list.
36 Previously Banned Apps Now Accessible in India
An investigation by India Today has revealed that 36 apps, out of the more than 200 banned, have made their way back into the Indian digital ecosystem. While a few apps have retained their original branding, others have opted for subtle rebranding strategies, including logo changes and name modifications, to regain their user base.
These reinstated apps span across multiple categories, including gaming, entertainment, social networking, shopping, and file-sharing platforms. Most of these apps started reappearing on Indian app stores from November 2020 onward.
Popular Apps Making a Comeback
Some well-known apps that have reentered the Indian market include:
- Xender – A file-sharing app now available as ‘Xender: File Share, Share Music’ on Apple’s App Store. It is yet to return to the Google Play Store in India but remains accessible in other countries.
- Youku – A streaming service that has rebranded slightly while retaining its core functionality.
- Taobao – A popular shopping app that has returned under the name ‘Mobile Taobao’.
- Tantan – A dating app now known as ‘TanTan – Asian Dating App’.
- MangoTV – This streaming platform has reappeared with minimal to no alterations.
While some apps have maintained their original structure, others have adapted through minor changes to comply with Indian regulations or mask their Chinese origins.
Ownership and Compliance Changes
Out of the 36 reinstated apps, 13 are still associated with Chinese companies, while others have shifted their ownership or development bases. Notably, eight apps are now managed by Indian firms, three by Singapore-based developers, two by Vietnamese companies, and one each by firms from South Korea, Seychelles, Japan, and Bangladesh.
A prime example is the fashion platform Shein. It made a strategic return to India through a partnership with Reliance Retail. In December 2024, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that Shein’s user data would now be stored within India, ensuring that its Chinese parent company would not have access to sensitive information.
The Case of PUBG and Its Rebranding
PUBG Mobile, a globally popular battle royale game, faced a similar ban in 2020. It reemerged in 2021 as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). However, this iteration was temporarily banned in 2022 due to security concerns but later reinstated in 2023 after fulfilling the Indian government’s data and security guidelines.
Clone Apps and Regulatory Challenges
Despite the bans and regulatory hurdles, clone versions and altered variants of restricted apps continue to surface. Completely blocking these applications remains a persistent challenge. The gradual return of these apps coincides with the improving diplomatic rapport between India and China. However, the government continues to monitor the situation closely to safeguard user data and national security.
While some apps have found ways to navigate the ban and regain a foothold in the Indian market, others like TikTok remain barred, leaving users uncertain about their future availability in the country.
