After a brief ban, Telegram now available to download on the Google Play Store in India

Google has officially restored access to the instant messaging app, Telegram from Monday in India after a temporary ban until June 22, 2026. Access to the platform was not entirely disrupted, as some existing users reported continued service. However, as the ban is lifted, Google has restored access to the app. On the other hand, Apple's App Store still showed Telegram to be unavailable. The Indian Government banned the Telegram app temporarily amid allegations over the NEET 2026 question paper and other related content leaks by certain channels on the platform.

According to a PTI report, the government accused Telegram of failing to prevent the circulation of fake NEET question papers, misleading information, and other fraudulent activities, impacting the examination process.

Prior to the ban, officials reportedly met with Telegram representatives on June 3 and raised these concerns.

Later, the decision resulted in blocking Telegram and its related web services. In addition, the government also instructed Telegram to disable its message-editing feature until June 30.

Telegram Founder and CEO Pavel Durov showed disapproval of the move that impacted its 150 million user base in the country. 

“The ban has not stopped anything, and the leaks simply moved to other apps,” Durov said.

He also alleged that Reliance Communications and WhatsApp could have played a role in pushing for the app's ban in India.