The Modi government on Wednesday has issued a diktat banning 118 Chinese mobile apps. The most popular one to be banned is PUBG. This is reminiscent of the government's banning of TikTok and dozens of other Chinese apps in June.

"The apps are engaged in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of state and public order," the government said. The apps are from Baidu, WeChat and Tencent. The MeITY has invoked Section 69 of the Information Technology Act.

When TikTok and 58 other apps were banned months ago, there was scepticism over whether such a move can have any impact. Bipartisan commentators and keen observers have since held that the move has definitely sent a signal to China and its technology giants.

The ban comes at a time when tensions at the border are growing between India and China.