India has banned 59, mostly Chinese, apps including TikTok, WeChat, and Weibo, its government says.

Iran Press/Asia: The move follows a deadly border clash between Chinese and Indian troops, which killed 20 Indian soldiers.

The country's ministry of information technology said the apps are "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, the security of the state and public order", according to Sky News.

In a statement, it said it had received concerns about data security and risk to privacy while using the apps.

The move is said to be India's first big retaliation following a clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley on 15 June.

India's army said 20 of its soldiers were killed in the incident, which marked the deadliest violence between the two countries in 45 years.

Tensions had been high in the area for several weeks, with both sides accusing the other of intruding on sovereign territory.

220

Read More:

India capable of giving befitting reply if instigated: Modi warns China

Despite thousands of troops over disputed area, India and China try to resolve tensions in Himalaya