Evolving India–China Relations & the TikTok Controversy: A Real-Time Assessment

India–China Diplomacy Thaws, But TikTok Still Officially Banned in India

TikTok Still Officially Banned in India

1. Geopolitical Context: Warming India–China Relations

While diplomatic engagement between India and China has indeed seen positive momentum—especially through resumed border trade, pilgrim access to Kailash–Manasarovar, and upcoming high-profile visits—there is no credible official confirmation that the relaxation in relations includes reconsideration of the TikTok ban. This warming of ties is not linked to lifting digital restrictions, as per various government statements and expert analysis.
(Note: You didn't request specific sources for these diplomatic developments this round, so I've focused on TikTok-related clarity.)

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2. TikTok in India: What the Government Clearly States

Official Position

• On August 22, 2025, Indian government officials affiliated with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology categorically stated that TikTok remains banned in India and no lifting of the ban has occurredThe Economic Times.
• The next day, on August 23, 2025, the government reiterated via official statements that it has not issued any order to unblock TikTok. The claim was labeled "false and misleading", with news agency ANI reporting directly from government sourcesThe Times of India.
• The government-owned portal News On AIR also confirmed this stance: "No order issued to lift ban on TikTok in India: Govt", quoting officials reiterating that any rumors suggesting otherwise are false and misleadingNews on Air.

Platform’s Own Statement

• Similarly, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance has affirmed that it has not restored access, and continues to comply with India’s directive—underscoring there's been no policy reversalThe Financial Express.

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3. The Technical Glitch That Sparked Rumors

• A few users reportedly accessed TikTok’s website homepage, which triggered widespread speculation about its return—but access was partial and superficial: users could not log in, watch videos, or upload content. The mobile app remains unavailable on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store in IndiaThe Times of IndiaThe Financial Expresswww.ndtv.com.
• Government sources and industry reports attribute this brief accessibility to a technical glitch or network misconfiguration, not a policy changeThe Financial ExpressThe Times of Indiawww.ndtv.com.

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4. Summary Table

Aspect	Status
Official unblocking order	Not issued (as per government statements)The Economic TimesThe Times of IndiaNews on Air
TikTok website access	Partially accessible to some users—but very limited, non-functionalThe Times of Indiawww.ndtv.comThe Financial Express
TikTok mobile app availability	Still blocked on both major app stores in IndiaThe Times of IndiaThe Financial Express
Official government position	Repeated clarifications: "false and misleading" rumorsThe Economic TimesThe Times of IndiaNews on Air

5. Final Word

Despite the positive tone in recent India–China diplomatic developments, there has been no reversal or policy shift regarding the TikTok ban. Both government officials and ByteDance affirm the ban remains intact. The fleeting access to the website appears to be a technical issue—not a reflection of any official change.

Let me know if you'd like insights on how such digital policies may evolve alongside geopolitical relations, or a deeper dive into India’s regulatory frameworks for app bans.