TikTok and Ali Express Websites Return in India After 5 Years, But Apps Still Banned
TikTok and Ali Express websites are accessible in India after five years, sparking comeback rumors. However, both apps remain unavailable on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Here’s why TikTok was banned and what it means for users.
TikTok and Ali Express Websites Accessible in India After 5 Years — Apps Still Blocked
After five years of being banned in India, TikTok’s official website is accessible again for some users, sparking speculation about the short-video platform’s possible return. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, was banned in June 2020 along with 58 other Chinese apps due to national security concerns.
TikTok Website Accessible, But App Still Blocked
Several users reported that TikTok’s website is loading in India, though the app remains unavailable on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Some users also noted that not all subpages are accessible, suggesting it may be a limited or phased rollout.
So far, there has been no official confirmation from TikTok or ByteDance about a relaunch in India.
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.
