India, Aug. 23 -- Amid the buzz of a TikTok return for India, the ban, imposed five years ago, remains in full effect. Officials have also clarified that the app hasn't been approved for Indian markets again.

"Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement or news is false and misleading," officials stated on Friday, quashing rumors of a potential reversal of the ban amid reports of website access by some users.

India imposed the ban on TikTok and 58 other Chinese-origin apps on June 29, 2020, citing threats to the nation's sovereignty and integrity, along with security of the state and public order.

This move followed violent clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley region,...