India's ban on more than 50 Chinese apps, including popular ones such as TikTok and WeChat, has left millions of users surprised and disappointed.
The government said the apps were “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”.
China has asked India to uphold the legal rights of international firms.
But experts say the decision – on the back of rising tensions between India and China – is a hasty political move.
Anti-China sentiment has been high in India since earlier this month when clashes between the two nuclear-armed neighbours left 20 Indian troops dead.
The fighting occurred in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, where both countries have increased deployment close to the disputed border.
Calls to boycott Chinese goods soon emerged, and the government issued directives to cancel or limit Chinese contracts with public sector companies.
But the ban on the apps took many by surprise. The list includes the microblogging platform Weibo, the strategy game Clash of Kings, Alibaba's UC Browser, and e-commerce apps Club Factory and Shein.
The app makers have said they are in talks with the Indian government, while Beijing has asked India to reconsider its decision.
“We want to stress that Chinese government always asks Chinese…
