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Weibo closes Modi’s account after India’s app ban
Published: Jul 02, 2020 11:01 AM

A screenshot of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's verified account on Weibo before it was closed Photo: GT



 Chinese Twitter-like social media Weibo said on Wednesday night that it had closed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's verified account on the platform at the request of the Indian Embassy in China.

The announcement was made after the Indian government on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps, including Weibo and TikTok, claiming they were "prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of state and public order."

Modi's account was registered on May 4, 2015, days ahead of his first official visit to China after being elected as prime minister. His first post read, "Hello China, looking forward to interactions with Chinese friends."

Before the account was closed, Modi had about 244,000 followers on the platform. 

According to the Hindustan Times, the prime minister's account had made 115 posts in the last five years. The most viewed posts were Modi's annual messages on International Yoga Day, and the most reposted were birthday wishes for Chinese leaders.

India's move to ban Chinese apps comes in the wake of escalating tensions between China and India following a deadly border clash between troops from both sides on June 15. Indian troops illegally crossed the border and launched provocative attacks on Chinese personnel.