AliExpress, one of the most popular e-commerce shopping destinations has been banned by the Government of India. The ban was expected one after the initial two bouts of ban in June and September. The Indian Government had banned TikTok, PUBG Mobile, Snack Video, and other popular apps recently in June 2020. The ban on AliExpress will bring significant loss to the Chinese economy financially. The bad thing is that Indian consumers will lose an opportunity to buy cheap products just like ebay. However, many people feel that national interest is of utmost importance than personal advantages. In addition to AliExpress, Government also banned additional products like AliPay and Alibaba business apps.
In 2015, Timothy Leung had revealed that India is the second most important market for Alibaba globally after China. Leung works as the head of global business development with Alibaba. Meanwhile, Chris Tung, Chief Marketing Officer, Alibaba disclosed that India and China are the two major developing markets of the world and there are several things we share commonly. Tung had reportedly called for an exchange in expertise and experiences between the two nations.
Alibaba Business Platform
Alibaba also launched an online platform to help and assist SMEs with financing, logistics, inspections, and certifications including delivery of technology and educational resources. According to estimates, there are over 45 lakh registered users from India on this platform. The Jack Ma-owned company also launched SMILE, which is an initiative to connect Indian manufacturers with Chinese suppliers.
According to Vinayak Jain, the ban on AliExpress seriously undermines its ability to reach Indian consumers. The economy is rapidly developing digitally and access to an e-commerce app will be beneficial. The ban will force Indian buyers to buy products locally instead of depending upon Chinese companies. Moreover, the move will facilitate India’s intention to become Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Jain added that the Chinese Communist Party is linked to every major corporation with a representative on the board of every company. He said that companies like AliExpress have diverted funds from IPOs in Europe toward China’s military development.
Huge jump expected in Indian e-commerce
The experts are of the opinion that India’s e-commerce marketplace will see a significant jump in the next 10 years. The ban on AliExpress will largely benefit our own companies and profits will stay in India without reaching the hands of China. An executive who works with a popular Chinese company revealed that the Government could have banned AliExpress to protect the economy because overseas e-commerce businesses have a great impact on local businesses.
Hurt China Financially
After Galwan tensions, we don’t have any other way than to digitally strike China and hurt them financially. The economic damage will bring the dragon to full stop in its bid to conquer the world. It is to be noted that Indians have already stopped purchasing products from AliExpress ever since COVID-19 broke out. This is mainly because COVID originated from China and people were angry with the country.
With the elimination of AliExpress, Indians will now shop from Amazon, Flipkart, JioMart, and others without depending upon cheap Chinese stuffs. The Modi Government should create a manufacturing hub near a prominent place and encourage all companies to invest and manufacture in India. Even though Google has removed AliExpress from the Play Store, the website can be accessed via PC or mobile browser. However, we are not sure as to whether you will receive the products even if you place an order. That said, Indian companies will be able to sell products at great prices to attract customers without Chinese presence.
