TikTok Ban in India 2025: Rumours of Return, Political War of Words, and India-China Ties

TikTok ban in India 2025 has once again become the center of controversy, triggering both excitement among users and heated political debates. The short-video platform, banned in India since June 2020, briefly became accessible via its official website this week, sparking speculation about a possible return. While fans celebrated, the opposition Congress accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of striking a deal with China, reigniting the debate over the TikTok ban in India 2025.

TikTok’s Website Becomes Accessible, App Still Missing

Several users reported being able to access TikTok’s official homepage after five years. Some subpages, including “Contacts,” opened normally, while others like “Newsroom” and “Careers” returned error messages. Importantly, logging in, uploading, or viewing videos remained blocked, and the TikTok app is still absent from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

This partial accessibility sparked rumours of a phased rollout or testing. However, the Ministry of Electronics and IT clarified that the TikTok ban in India 2025 has not been lifted.

“The Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement or news is false and misleading,” officials said.

Congress vs BJP: Political Row Over TikTok

The Congress seized the moment to attack PM Modi, alleging that his government was cozying up to China despite the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley clash of June 2020.

“It is clear — Narendra Modi’s love for China has outweighed his love for the country,” Congress tweeted, adding that TikTok’s reappearance was a result of a “deal with China.”

The party accused Modi of giving China a “clean chit” after the Galwan clash and later banning TikTok only under pressure. Now, with reports of TikTok’s website being live and PM Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit (Aug 31–Sep 1), the opposition claims the government is once again compromising national interests.

The government, however, strongly denied lifting the ban on TikTok, AliExpress, or Shein, calling such reports “misleading and politically motivated.”

Why TikTok Was Banned in India

In June 2020, TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps (including WeChat, UC Browser, ShareIt, and CamScanner) were banned under Section 69A of the IT Act. The government cited that these apps were “engaged in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order.”

The decision followed the violent Galwan Valley clashes, where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred. Intelligence agencies had flagged TikTok and other apps for data collection and alleged transmission of user information to Chinese servers.

India-China Relations: A Changing Dynamic

The timing of TikTok’s resurfacing coincides with improving India-China ties. Both nations recently reopened the Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), Shipki La Pass (Himachal Pradesh), and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) for border trade after five years. Direct flights and easier visas are also being discussed.

Moreover, China recently voiced support for India against US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, calling the US a “bully” in global trade. Analysts believe these diplomatic developments are fueling speculation about TikTok’s possible return.

What’s Next for Indian TikTok Users?

Before its ban, TikTok had nearly 200 million active users in India, making it one of the app’s largest markets globally. Its sudden disappearance left a vacuum, later filled by Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Moj, and Josh.

Even though the website’s accessibility has rekindled hope, experts caution that without formal government clearance, TikTok cannot legally operate in India. For now, the TikTok ban in India 2025 remains in place, and its return is uncertain.

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