36 Chinese apps make a comeback on Indian app stores

Amid improving diplomatic relations, some of these apps have kept their original names, while others have undergone significant rebranding, including changes to logos and ownership details

Numerous Chinese apps, which were part of the more than 200 banned apps removed from Indian app stores in 2020 due to security concerns, have reappeared. This development comes at a time when diplomatic relations between India and China are showing signs of improvement.

In 2020, the Indian government took decisive action by banning over 200 apps, many of which were linked to Chinese companies, citing national security threats. However, in recent months, the app ban has been lifted for several of these apps, with many making a return to Indian app stores, suggesting a shift in the political and economic landscape.

According to reports, 36 apps that were previously banned are now available again on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Some of these apps have kept their original names, while others have undergone significant rebranding, including changes to logos and ownership details. These apps cover a variety of categories, such as gaming, content creation, entertainment, file sharing, and e-commerce.

Notable among the apps making a return are Xender (file-sharing), Youku (streaming), Taobao (shopping), and Tantan (dating). Xender, banned in June 2020, is now available on the Apple App Store under the name "Xender: File Share, Share Music," although it is still unavailable on the Google Play Store in India. Youku has returned under a slightly altered name, while Taobao is now listed as "Mobile Taobao." Tantan, which is a popular dating app, has rebranded as "TanTan - Asian Dating App."

Changes to ownership and compliance with Indian laws

Some apps have re-entered the Indian market after making adjustments to comply with local laws. A notable example is Shein, a popular fashion app that returned to India through a licensing deal with Reliance, an Indian conglomerate. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed in December 2024 that Shein’s data would now be stored in India, ensuring that its Chinese parent company would not have access to it.

Similarly, PUBG Mobile, banned in 2020, came back in 2021 as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). After facing another ban in 2022, the app reinstatement occurred in 2023 after meeting the necessary security requirements.

The rise of clones and challenges in enforcement

Despite the app ban, clone versions of these apps continue to appear on app stores, complicating enforcement efforts. New iterations of previously banned apps often emerge with minor changes to evade detection, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to fully block access.

The return of these Chinese apps coincides with a period of improving diplomatic relations between India and China, following several years of military tensions at the border. As the two countries look to strengthen their economic and trade ties, the banned app re-entry highlights the growing intersection of geopolitics and digital commerce in the region.

While the app reinstatement offers opportunities for both countries, it also raises questions about national security and the regulatory oversight needed to ensure that digital platforms align with India’s interests. The evolving dynamics between India and China will continue to shape the future of the tech market in the region.