Isha Ambani has been instrumental in bringing Shane back to the Indian market, a move that has garnered considerable attention. The Indian government has recently confirmed that it has no objection to granting permission. RELIANCE RETAIL VENTURES LIMITEDan Ambani-led company, to sell Sheen products on a made-in-India e-commerce platform. The approval comes after a thorough review by various ministries including IT, Electronics and Home Affairs.
However, Shane’s return to India is subject to strict regulations to ensure full local control over operations and data. Reliance Retail will retain full ownership of the platform and manage all operational aspects, while the infrastructure will be housed entirely in India. Importantly, Shane will not have access to any data collected from Indian users, both personal and non-personal, ensuring that all data remains within the country.
Shane, once one of India’s largest online retailers, was banned along with more than 300 other sugar-related apps in 2020 due to national security concerns. The company, along with others like TikTok and UC Browser, faced a ban amid rising tensions between India and China. The move has often been criticized by China, which claims it violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and harms the rights of Chinese companies.
Shane’s return to India comes after careful consideration by various government ministries, which ensured that the platform’s operations would be compliant with Indian regulations. With Isha Ambani now in control of Reliance Retail, the e-commerce company will be closely monitored, and Shane’s data practices will conform to India’s strict requirements for privacy and security.
Mumbai: Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s daughter Isha Ambani arrives at the polling booth to cast her vote during the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)
The decision marks a significant shift in India’s approach to foreign e-commerce, especially Chinese companies, after strict scrutiny and restrictions. With the return of Sheen, India could see a boom in the fast fashion sector, which will benefit both consumers and local businesses. The inclusion of Reliance Retail ensures that Shane’s operations are compliant 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 combination of international fashion and domestic economic development. As it unfolds, all eyes will be on how Shane’s re-entry affects the competitive online shopping landscape in India.