54 Chinese Apps banned in India, including from Tencent, Alibaba, NetEase, on security fears

India has banned 54 Chinese apps in a new order citing security concerns, in the latest instance of tensions between the two neighbors locked in a protracted border dispute impacting business dealings. The South Asian nation’s ministry of electronics and IT has banned apps including those belonging to large China tech firms such as Tencent, Alibaba and NetEase, that are rebranded versions of apps already banned by India in 2020, it was reported Monday.

A spokesman for the Home Affairs ministry did not immediately comment on the matter.

"Government of India to ban 54 Chinese apps that pose a threat to India's security," sources said.

The 54 Chinese apps include Garena Free Fire, Beauty Camera: Sweet Selfie HD, Beauty Camera - Selfie Camera, Equalizer & Bass Booster, CamCard for SalesForce Ent, Isoland 2: Ashes of Time Lite, Viva Video Editor, Tencent Xriver, Onmyoji Chess, Onmyoji Arena, AppLock, Dual Space Lite.

Earlier in June last year, India banned 59 Chinese mobile applications including the widely-used social media platforms such as TikTok, WeChat, and Helo keeping in view the threat to the nation's sovereignty and security.

The majority of the apps banned in the June 29 order were red-flagged by intelligence agencies over concerns that they were collecting user data and possibly also sending them "outside".

This action came after 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese soldiers were killed during violent clashes in Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh amid border tensions with China.

Later in September, the Government of India further blocked 118 Chinese mobile apps stating that they are "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order".

However, China opposed India's decision to continue the ban on Chinese mobile apps and said the action is in violation of the World Trade Organisation's non-discriminatory principles.

(With ANI inputs)