India: Shein, the Chinese fast fashion giant, has made a comeback in India after a five-year break, following a ban in 2020. The app, which was previously stopped due to data security concerns with rising tensions between India and China, relaunched under a licensing deal with Indian retail partnership Reliance Retail.
An anonymous official from Reliance Retail confirmed the long-term deal with Shein’s parent company, concentrating on selling products manufactured and sourced within India. While the group has yet to issue a formal statement, the partnership marks Shein’s strategic re-entry into the Indian market.
Under the new arrangement, Shein must comply with strict regulatory terms, including storing all user data within India. India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted these conditions during a December 2024 statement. He also clarified that while Shein’s app was banned, the sale of Shein-branded products was not.
The app went live and has already been downloaded over 10,000 times. Initially, Shein will deliver to consumers in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with plans to expand nationwide shortly. The platform is offering affordable fashion options, with prices starting as low as $2.30 (₹199).
Shein’s return arrives after a significant absence in India, where it had once been a popular choice for stylish and budget-friendly clothing. The 2020 ban created a vacuum that was quickly filled by local players. Now, with Reliance Retail’s backing, Shein desires to tap into India’s vast consumer base and donate to the country’s textile export industry.
Experts suggest that this partnership marks a transformation in Reliance Retail’s strategy, moving beyond international brand sales through its Ajio platform to demand involvement with Shein’s global operations. The collaboration will also concentrate on training Indian garment manufacturers, further strengthening India’s presence in the international fashion market.
This partnership is notable as it represents a rare exception to India’s strict ban on Chinese apps, which followed concerns over data privacy and security breaches. While apps like TikTok and PUBG faced permanent bans, Shein’s strategic re-entry aligns with India’s evolving strategy to balance economic partnerships with security concerns.
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