TikTok and Ali Express Websites Return in India After 5 Years, But Apps Still Banned

Why Was TikTok Banned in India?

In June 2020, the Indian government banned TikTok along with apps such as Shareit, CamScanner, Mi Video Call, and Club Factory. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) stated that these apps posed threats to India’s sovereignty, integrity, defence, and public order.

The decision came amid escalating tensions with China after the Galwan Valley clashes, which left several Indian soldiers dead. The ban dealt a massive blow to ByteDance, which instantly lost access to its 200 million Indian users.

Geopolitical Shifts Since 2020

Since then, India and China have engaged in 24 rounds of talks to reduce border tensions. Restrictions have eased, and flights between the two nations have resumed. Additionally, changing global trade dynamics, including tariffs from the U.S. under Donald Trump, have led to some thawing of India-China relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, adding fuel to the speculation around TikTok’s possible comeback.

Ali Express Also Back Online

It’s not just TikTok. Ali Express, the e-commerce platform owned by Alibaba Group, is also accessible through its website in India. However, similar to TikTok, the Ali Express app remains blocked.

Both TikTok and Ali Express were part of the 59 Chinese apps banned in 2020, and their websites resurfacing in India has sparked renewed debate about whether these platforms are preparing for an official return.