On Friday, the Indian government strongly denied reports on social media that claimed the 2020 ban on Chinese apps like TikTok, AliExpress, and Shein had been lifted. Some users had noticed they could visit the websites, but the government called these reports “false and misleading.”

 

 

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🔹 What actually happened?

 

Some users in India reported they could open the homepages of TikTok and AliExpress without using a VPN.

 

However, users could not log in, upload videos, or use the apps properly. Only the landing page was visible.

 

TikTok’s mobile app is still completely blocked on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

 

Internet service providers continue to block the websites, so the limited access is likely a technical glitch.

 

 

 

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🔹 Why were these apps banned?

 

India banned 59 Chinese apps in June 2020 after the deadly Galwan Valley clashes with China, where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred. The government said these apps were a threat to India’s sovereignty, security, and public order.

 

At that time, TikTok had over 200 million users in India and suffered one of its biggest losses worldwide after the ban.

 

 

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🔹 The controversy

 

The reports of website access came just after India-China relations showed signs of improvement.

 

Earlier this week, PM Modi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and both agreed to maintain border peace and reopen trade routes.

 

Opposition parties, especially Congress, criticized this, claiming Modi was “favoring China over India” and linking it to soldier sacrifices in Galwan.

 

 

 

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🔹 What this teaches Navodayans

 

1. Check facts before believing everything online – Just because a website opens doesn’t mean the apps are back. Always verify information from trusted sources.

 

 

2. Patience and rules matter – The ban was meant to protect India’s security and interests. Navodayans should remember that sometimes restrictions are for long-term benefit, not immediate convenience.

 

 

3. Technology can be tricky – Technical glitches can create confusion. Never make decisions or rumors based on incomplete data.

 

 

4. Diplomacy and timing are complex – Even if countries improve relations, it doesn’t mean all past actions are reversed. Understand the bigger picture before jumping to conclusions.

 

 

 

 

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🔥 Bottom line:

 

> “TikTok and other Chinese apps are still banned in India. Just because something looks possible doesn’t mean it is. Always check facts, be patient, and think long-term.”