Beijing (PingWest)—The Indian government Monday decided to ban 59 China-linked apps, including TikTok, Shareit, and UC Browsers, meanwhile, phone companies are asked to block the apps, Indian media Hindustan Times reported.

A statement released by India's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said that a decision had been taken to block the 59 apps "since in view of the information available, they are engaged in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order".

Indian intelligence agencies had been pushing for restrictions on the mobile applications on grounds that the apps were designed to extract data and park them outside the country where they could be used to intrude into the privacy of citizens, according to Hindustan Times.

The move came after Indian intelligence agencies’ request for the government to block or issue advisories on the use of 52 China-related applications on June 17.

The anti-China sentiment caused by the border conflict has spread to the economic areas. Analysts believe that coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's bilateral trade may plummet by more than 30%.

As part of efforts to ease the tension on the border, the two countries will hold corps commander-level talks at Chushul-Moldo on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at 10:30 am Tuesday.