New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Global fashion brand Shein has re-entered the Indian market nearly five years after its ban, this time through a strategic partnership with Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. (RRVL). The newly launched Shein India app, which went live last Friday, is exclusively owned and operated by Nextgen Fast Fashion, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Retail.
This localized approach aims to strengthen India’s textile industry by digitizing the supply chain, fostering job creation, and positioning Indian MSMEs as key players in the global apparel market. Nextgen is also working towards making India a sourcing hub for Shein’s global operations, potentially boosting exports for Indian garment manufacturers.
Unlike the previous Shein app and website (Shein.in), which were directly operated by the Chinese company, the new Shein India app is developed and managed entirely by Reliance Retail. Furthermore, all platform data will be stored within India, with Shein having no access to it.
Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed in a Lok Sabha response that the Ministry of Textiles, in consultation with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, raised no objections to Reliance Retail's proposal. The agreement mandates full compliance with Indian laws, ensuring that platform ownership, data storage, and operational control remain within India.
A Fully Indian Operation
Industry insiders confirm that the Shein India platform is built, hosted, and controlled entirely within India, with no equity ownership or operational involvement from Shein itself. The products available on the app are manufactured, marketed, and sold solely by Nextgen, which collaborates with a vast network of Indian manufacturers—most of whom are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).This localized approach aims to strengthen India’s textile industry by digitizing the supply chain, fostering job creation, and positioning Indian MSMEs as key players in the global apparel market. Nextgen is also working towards making India a sourcing hub for Shein’s global operations, potentially boosting exports for Indian garment manufacturers.
Swift Market Entry & Consumer Response
The Shein India Fast Fashion app has gained rapid traction, securing over 10,000 downloads on Google Play Store and ranking among the top 10 fashion apps on Apple’s App Store.Unlike the previous Shein app and website (Shein.in), which were directly operated by the Chinese company, the new Shein India app is developed and managed entirely by Reliance Retail. Furthermore, all platform data will be stored within India, with Shein having no access to it.
Government's Approval & Strategic Agreement
Shein’s return follows a 2023 agreement between Reliance Retail, led by Isha Ambani, and Roadget Business Pte Ltd, the parent company of Shein. The Indian government had banned Shein in June 2020, citing concerns over sovereignty and national security, but clarified last December that while the app remains blocked, the sale of Shein-branded products is not restricted.Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed in a Lok Sabha response that the Ministry of Textiles, in consultation with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, raised no objections to Reliance Retail's proposal. The agreement mandates full compliance with Indian laws, ensuring that platform ownership, data storage, and operational control remain within India.