TikTok, one of the most popular short video apps globally, continues to remain banned in India even as diplomatic and trade relations between New Delhi and Beijing show signs of easing.

The app was first blocked in June 2020, when the Indian government announced a ban on more than 50 Chinese apps, citing concerns over national security and data privacy. The move came shortly after border tensions between India and China escalated in Ladakh.

Since then, TikTok has made several attempts to return to the Indian market, including exploring partnerships with local firms, but the government has not lifted restrictions. Officials have maintained that the decision was driven by security concerns and the need to protect Indian user data from potential misuse.

India remains one of the few major markets where TikTok has been completely shut out. Before the ban, the platform had over 200 million users in the country and was a hub for content creators, many of whom switched to alternatives like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and homegrown apps.

Experts suggest that unless the government is fully satisfied with data security assurances and ownership structures, TikTok’s return is unlikely in the near future, regardless of any thaw in India-China relations.