Chinese President Xi Jinping is coming to India after seven years, and for some Indian TikTok users, the announcement has sparked an unexpected hope: Could the TikTok ban finally be lifted?

Xi Jinping is visiting India primarily to attend the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, where leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping are expected to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues. India is hosting the summit this year. 

“China has just confirmed the official visit of President Xi Jinping to India for the BRICS summit. President Xi will be visiting India with the largest business delegation of more than 400 people. President Xi and PM Modi will be holding bilateral talks on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Delhi. This will be President Xi's first visit to India in 7 years after deadly Galwan valley clash,” Global Explainer Reported.

India banned TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps on June 29, 2020, citing concerns related to national security, privacy and data. The ban came shortly after the deadly Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, which severely damaged relations between the two countries.

At the time, TikTok had a massive user base in India. The ban triggered an emotional reaction across social media, with users posting videos expressing their disappointment, some even breaking down in tears over the sudden loss of the platform that had become a major source of entertainment, creativity and income for many creators.

TikTok's algorithm had also developed a reputation for helping creators reach large audiences quickly—even those without established followings. Many creators who later moved to Instagram Reels and Facebook have argued that replicating TikTok's reach and engagement has been difficult and often requires more effort.

Even after the ban, TikTok has not completely disappeared from conversations in India. Reports and social-media discussions suggest that some users continue to access the platform through VPNs and other workarounds.

Now, Xi's return to India has reignited speculation online.

China has confirmed that Xi will attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit comes as India and China attempt to cautiously improve relations following years of tensions after the 2020 border clash.

Xi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Modi, with trade, investment, technology and the border situation among the issues likely to feature in discussions.

That has led some Indian social-media users to connect the diplomatic thaw with the possibility of restrictions on Chinese apps being reconsidered.

But there is currently no official indication that India is preparing to lift the TikTok ban. The excitement among TikTok fans remains speculation rather than a confirmed policy development.

For now, Xi's visit may signal a new phase in India-China relations—but whether that phase will bring TikTok back to Indian smartphones is a very different question.

For TikTok fans, the wait continues.