In a significant turnaround, Shein has resumed its operations in India five years post-ban, thanks to a licensing partnership with Reliance Retail. This move comes after India had prohibited Shein and other Chinese applications due to data security concerns stemming from heightened tensions with China. The official re-launch comes with specific conditions, including the requirement to maintain all user data within India, a stipulation confirmed by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Shein Makes a Stylish Comeback in India Amid Stricter Regulations

Shein Makes a Stylish Comeback in India Amid Stricter Regulations
Chinese fashion retailer Shein returns to India after five years, partnering with Reliance Retail under stringent data governance rules.
Launched recently, Shein's app has already attracted over 10,000 downloads, predominantly offering fashion items priced as low as 199 rupees (approximately $2.30). Currently, deliveries are limited to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, but plans for nationwide coverage are underway. Before its ban, Shein's presence in India was significant, appealing to young consumers with trendy and affordable clothing options, thereby reshaping India's fast fashion landscape.
The re-entry coincides with Reliance Retail’s strategic shift towards local sourcing and manufacturing, allowing Shein to utilize India as a base for its global operations while assisting in the development of the local textile industry. Under the terms of the partnership, Reliance will exercise complete control over operational practices and data safety, restricting Shein's access to sensitive information. This renewed collaboration marks a rare exception to India's stringent regulations on Chinese apps.
In the larger context, the comeback of Shein may signal a potential thaw in Indo-Chinese business relations, while also pushing the agenda for local manufacturing and international export from India. The revival of Shein might also encourage other international brands to reassess the Indian market’s prospects.
As Shein re-establishes itself, the focus will likely be on maintaining compliance with local regulations and ensuring data security, thus paving a path for potential growth in India's evolving fast-fashion sector.
The re-entry coincides with Reliance Retail’s strategic shift towards local sourcing and manufacturing, allowing Shein to utilize India as a base for its global operations while assisting in the development of the local textile industry. Under the terms of the partnership, Reliance will exercise complete control over operational practices and data safety, restricting Shein's access to sensitive information. This renewed collaboration marks a rare exception to India's stringent regulations on Chinese apps.
In the larger context, the comeback of Shein may signal a potential thaw in Indo-Chinese business relations, while also pushing the agenda for local manufacturing and international export from India. The revival of Shein might also encourage other international brands to reassess the Indian market’s prospects.
As Shein re-establishes itself, the focus will likely be on maintaining compliance with local regulations and ensuring data security, thus paving a path for potential growth in India's evolving fast-fashion sector.