The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom operators and internet service providers to block access to all the 59 Chinese apps banned by the government with immediate effect, sources said. DoT has asked all the service players to comply with the order and submit compliance reports. The development comes after the Centre on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat and UC Browser and Xiaomi's Mi Community over national security concerns as India-China bilateral relations remain strained after the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley clash with Chinese PLA troops in eastern Ladakh.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a list of 59 Chinese apps that are now banned in the country. The ministry said that the step has been taken "since there is credible information that these apps are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order".