Shein, the fast fashion behemoth once ousted from India, is now poised for a dramatic return—this time with the government’s Make in India initiative on its side.
Back in 2020, Shein was among dozens of Chinese apps and platforms banned amid rising geopolitical tensions. But in a twist no one saw coming, the brand is now gearing up for a major comeback—not as a foreign disruptor, but as a potential symbol of Indian manufacturing ambition.
Yes, we’re talking about the same Shein that fueled midnight scroll sessions and ultra-fast trend cycles. Launched in China in October 2008, Shein rapidly evolved into a Gen Z phenomenon, delivering inexpensive, on-trend apparel at lightning speed. It built a cult-like global following—until its India story was abruptly cut short.
The company targeted the biggest consumer markets—America, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Within just over a decade, it became the world’s largest fashion retailer. In 2022, trying to dodge global regulatory heat, Shein shifted its HQ from China to Singapore.
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But it still kept its supply chain and warehouses in China to ride on the country’s manufacturing edge. As part of its global expansion, Shein also entered India in 2018.And within two years, it boomed.
By 2020, it had over 5 million app downloads in India and was shipping nearly 10,000 orders a day. In fact, Shein and other Chinese fashion apps grabbed around 30% of India’s online fashion market by 2019.But then came the ban.
In 2020, Shein was kicked out of India, along with 200+ other Chinese apps, as part of a government crackdown. And just like that—poof—Shein vanished from Indian phones, just like TikTok.But behind the scenes? Shein never lost sight of India.
In 2025, it made a comeback—with a twist.
This time, through a partnership with none other than Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Retail. But there were terms. The licensing deal gave Shein access to Indian customers. However, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations? 100% Indian.
That’s why Shein’s Indian site sells locally made clothing—unlike its global platforms.
At first glance, that might seem like a setback for Shein. Turns out—it’s not.
With global companies now chasing a ‘China plus one’ strategy, Shein’s India pivot fits right in.In fact, at the time of Shein’s relaunch, a Reliance Retail official told the BBC that the brand wanted to use India as a global supply hub.
And now? It’s happening. Reuters reports that Shein and Reliance plan to start selling Indian-made Shein clothi Reliance has already signed up 150 garment manufacturers—and is talking to 400 more. Their goal? Get 1,000 Indian factories on board.
These India-made clothes, with the Make in India tag, will first go live on Shein’s US and UK websites. And when that happens—it’ll be a full-circle moment. From being banned in India... To becoming one of its loudest Make in India success stories.
