Shein, the Chinese fast-fashion giant, has officially re-entered the Indian market through a strategic partnership with Reliance Retail, nearly 5 years after its app was banned due to diplomatic tensions between India and China.
The app is now available for download on both Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, marking a significant comeback for the brand.
The partnership, first hinted at by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in December 2024, addresses previous data security concerns by ensuring Shein has no access to user data in India.
This move comes in response to the security concerns that led to Shein’s initial ban in 2020, alongside other Chinese apps like TikTok.
Shein’s Reliance-backed launch began on February 1, 2025, initially catering to customers in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with a nationwide rollout planned soon.
Unlike its previous model of importing products from China, Shein’s re-entry is now fully aligned with India’s “Make in India” initiative, relying entirely on local manufacturing.
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All Shein-branded products will be designed and produced by Indian manufacturers, with Reliance Retail overseeing the complete supply chain to ensure compliance with Indian regulations and address past concerns regarding data security.
As the fast-fashion market continues to expand, Shein is set to face stiff competition from domestic players like Myntra, Ajio, and Tata Cliq, as well as global brands such as H&M and Zara.
However, with Reliance Retail’s vast distribution network and Shein’s strong brand appeal, the partnership is expected to reshape India’s online fashion landscape while adhering to the country’s regulatory framework.
