Isha Ambani is playing a pivotal role in bringing Shein back to the Indian market, a move that has garnered significant attention. The Indian government recently confirmed that it has no objections to allowing Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd., a company under Ambani’s leadership, to sell Shein products on an e-commerce platform developed in India. This approval came after a thorough review by several ministries, including IT, electronics, and home affairs.
However, the return of Shein to India is subject to strict regulations to ensure full local control over operations and data. Reliance Retail will maintain complete ownership of the platform and manage all operational aspects, while the infrastructure will be housed entirely in India. Importantly, Shein will not have access to any data collected from Indian consumers, both personal and non-personal, ensuring that all data remains within the country.
Shein, once one of India’s top online retailers, was banned in 2020 along with over 300 other Chinese-affiliated apps due to national security concerns. The company, along with others like TikTok and UC Browser, faced a ban amidst growing tensions between India and China. This move has been frequently criticized by China, which claims that it violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and harms the rights of Chinese companies.
The return of Shein to India comes after careful consideration by various government ministries, which ensured that the platform’s operations would be fully compliant with India’s regulations. With Isha Ambani’s Reliance Retail now in control, the e-commerce giant will be carefully monitored, and Shein’s data practices will remain in compliance with India’s stringent requirements for privacy and security.
Mumbai: Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s daughter Isha Ambani arrives at a polling booth to cast vote during the Maharashtra Assembly elections, in Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade) (
This decision marks a significant shift in India’s approach to foreign e-commerce, especially from Chinese companies, after a period of heightened scrutiny and restrictions. With Shein’s return, India could see a boost in the fast-fashion sector, benefiting both consumers and local businesses. Reliance Retail’s involvement ensures that Shein’s operations align with Indian laws, while also offering a platform for local manufacturing and retail to thrive. The partnership is expected to bridge the gap between global trends and local retail needs, creating a unique blend of international fashion and domestic economic growth. As this unfolds, all eyes will be on how Shein’s re-entry impacts the competitive landscape of online shopping in India.
