Is TikTok Making a Comeback in India After Improved India–China Relations?

As diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Beijing show signs of thawing, speculation is rife about whether the once-dominant short-video platform TikTok could stage a return to one of its largest former markets. Banned in 2020 amid escalating border tensions, the app’s potential revival has sparked debates on national security, data privacy, and economic implications, especially as other Chinese-origin services quietly re-enter the Indian digital space.

The Ban That Shook the Digital Landscape

TikTok’s abrupt exit from India followed a deadly clash along the Line of Actual Control in June 2020, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers. Citing threats to sovereignty and user privacy, the government prohibited the ByteDance-owned app along with 58 others under Section 69A of the IT Act. At its peak, TikTok boasted over 200 million Indian users, making it a cultural phenomenon for content creation and entertainment. The ban not only disrupted livelihoods for millions of creators but also paved the way for homegrown alternatives like Moj and MX TakaTak to fill the void.

Fast-forward to 2025, and improved bilateral relations—marked by high-level talks and partial troop disengagements—have led to the quiet resurgence of some banned apps under new guises or partnerships. For instance, file-sharing tool Xender and dating app TanTan have reappeared on app stores, often with modified ownership structures to comply with local regulations. This has fueled optimism among TikTok enthusiasts, but experts caution that the app’s path back is fraught with obstacles.

Signs of Thaw: Could TikTok Benefit?

Recent diplomatic progress, including economic dialogues and border pacts, has softened India’s stance on certain Chinese investments. A Reuters report from early 2025 noted that New Delhi approved select tech collaborations, hinting at a selective easing of restrictions. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent, has reportedly explored local partnerships, similar to how other firms rebranded to bypass bans.

However, no official confirmation of TikTok’s return has emerged. Government sources emphasize that any re-entry would require stringent data localization and security audits, as per the 2021 IT Rules. A Ministry of Electronics and IT statement reiterated that apps posing risks to “sovereignty and integrity” remain off-limits, regardless of improved ties.

Expert Opinions: Hopes vs. Hurdles

Analysts are divided on the prospects. In a Hindustan Times analysis, tech policy expert Apar Gupta argued that while warming relations could open doors, TikTok’s history of data concerns makes it a “high-risk candidate.” He pointed to ongoing U.S. scrutiny, where a potential ban looms over similar privacy fears, suggesting India might follow suit to avoid geopolitical pitfalls.

On YouTube, channels like those from digital economy commentators discuss ByteDance’s efforts to divest stakes or form joint ventures, drawing parallels to how Shein partnered with Reliance for a comeback. One video, with over 500,000 views, speculated that TikTok could relaunch as an Indian entity by 2026, leveraging the country’s 900 million internet users. “Improved relations mean business opportunities, but security trumps all,” the creator noted.

Conversely, skeptics like those from the Observer Research Foundation highlight competition from entrenched players. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have captured TikTok’s audience, with Reels alone boasting 250 million Indian users. “The market has moved on; a comeback would face user fatigue,” said a digital strategist in a BBC podcast.

Key Points: Potential Impacts and Challenges

• Market Dynamics: India’s social media space has evolved, with local apps filling the gap. A comeback could inject competition but might trigger antitrust scrutiny.
• Economic Angle: TikTok’s return could create jobs in content creation, as it did pre-ban with over 2 million creators. However, data sovereignty laws demand local servers, raising costs.
• Security Concerns: Experts warn of persistent risks, citing past incidents of data breaches. A Quartz report from 2025 analyzed how the ban boosted indigenous innovation, suggesting a reversal could undermine that progress.
• User Sentiment: Social media polls show mixed feelings—nostalgia for TikTok’s creativity versus loyalty to Indian alternatives.

Analyzing the Bigger Picture

Improved India-China relations, evidenced by trade rebounds and diplomatic visits, create fertile ground for tech reconciliations. Yet, TikTok’s case is unique due to its massive pre-ban popularity and the ban’s national security framing. As per a Time magazine feature, the app’s global challenges, including U.S. bans, complicate its Indian prospects.

If relations continue warming, a phased return under strict guidelines isn’t impossible, but experts like those from Reuters predict it would require ByteDance to address privacy fears convincingly. For now, the ban endures, serving as a reminder of how geopolitics shapes digital borders. As users and creators watch closely, TikTok’s fate could redefine India’s app ecosystem in the coming years.