The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following reports of the partial return of Chinese apps like TikTok and AliExpress in India. The party accused the Prime Minister of “cozying up to China” and striking a deal that undermines national security and the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. The criticism comes days before PM Modi’s scheduled visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025.
The Congress’s statement, posted on social media platform X, reignited debate over India’s diplomatic posture towards China, especially in light of the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred. The party alleged that the Modi government had initially given China a “clean chit” and only banned TikTok under pressure from the opposition to manage public outrage.
🧭 Congress’s Allegations Against PM Modi
| Allegation Area | Congress’s Statement Summary |
|---|---|
| TikTok Website Unblocking | “TikTok’s website is now accessible in India—why the silence?” |
| Galwan Clash Response | “PM gave China a clean chit after 20 soldiers were martyred.” |
| Diplomatic Engagement | “Modi is meeting Chinese Foreign Minister, planning China visit.” |
| National Security | “Just like the ceasefire with Pakistan, a deal has been struck.” |
The Congress claimed that the timing of TikTok’s partial comeback coinciding with Modi’s China visit was not a coincidence, but a reflection of the Centre’s “soft-pedaling” on China.
📊 Timeline of TikTok Ban and Partial Return
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| June 2020 | TikTok banned in India after Galwan clash |
| July 2020 | 58 Chinese apps banned citing national security |
| August 2025 | TikTok website becomes accessible in India |
| August 2025 | AliExpress and Shein websites also partially unblocked |
| August 31–Sept 1, 2025 | PM Modi to attend SCO Summit in Tianjin, China |
While the TikTok mobile app remains inaccessible, its website is now partially functional, allowing users to access the homepage but not full services. AliExpress does not allow shopping, and Shein’s platform remains limited.
🔍 Congress’s Broader Critique of Modi’s China Policy
Congress leaders have repeatedly accused the Modi government of compromising national interests in its dealings with China. The party drew parallels between the current situation and the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement, alleging that both were struck “at the cost of martyrdom.”
| Policy Area | Congress’s Criticism Summary |
|---|---|
| Border Management | “No accountability for Chinese incursions.” |
| Trade Relations | “Chinese apps returning despite data security risks.” |
| Defence Posture | “No clarity on LAC status or troop disengagement.” |
| Public Transparency | “Government has failed to inform citizens honestly.” |
Congress spokespersons also questioned the reopening of three border trade points—Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh), Lipulekh (Uttarakhand), and Nathu La (Sikkim)—which had been shut since 2020 due to COVID-19 and border tensions.
📉 TikTok’s Return: Technical or Tactical?
While the government has not officially lifted the ban on TikTok, the app’s website becoming accessible has raised eyebrows. Experts suggest that the unblocking may be part of a phased re-entry strategy, possibly linked to diplomatic negotiations or trade concessions.
| Platform Status | Accessibility in India (August 2025) |
|---|---|
| TikTok Mobile App | Still banned |
| TikTok Website | Homepage accessible, limited functionality |
| AliExpress | Website accessible, shopping disabled |
| Shein | Website accessible, limited catalog |
Cybersecurity analysts warn that allowing partial access to previously banned apps could pose risks to user data and national security, especially without updated regulatory frameworks.
🧠 Political Reactions Across the Spectrum
| Political Party | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Congress | “Modi cozying up to China, ignoring national sacrifice.” |
| BJP | No official response yet |
| AAP | “Government must clarify its stance on Chinese apps.” |
| TMC | “TikTok’s return is a betrayal of Galwan martyrs.” |
Opposition parties have demanded a formal statement from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA regarding the status of Chinese apps and India’s evolving China policy.
🧠 SCO Summit: Strategic Implications
PM Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the SCO Summit is expected to include bilateral meetings with participating leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017 and held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State during 2022–23.
| Summit Focus Area | India’s Expected Position |
|---|---|
| Regional Security | Push for anti-terror cooperation |
| Trade and Connectivity | Cautious approach to China-led BRI |
| Digital Governance | Advocacy for secure and open digital ecosystems |
| Border Stability | Demand for disengagement and status quo restoration |
The Congress has warned that Modi’s visit may be used to “normalize” relations with China without resolving core issues like the Galwan clash and LAC violations.
📌 Conclusion
The Congress party’s sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the partial return of TikTok and other Chinese apps has reignited debate over India’s diplomatic posture towards China. With PM Modi set to visit China for the SCO Summit, the timing of these developments has raised questions about transparency, national security, and political accountability.
As the government remains silent on the status of the app bans, opposition parties are demanding clarity and a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to sovereignty and digital safety. Whether the TikTok comeback is a technical glitch or a tactical shift remains unclear—but the political fallout is already underway.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and political statements as of August 23, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or diplomatic advice.
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