View source for COVID-19 pandemic in India

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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox pandemic
| name            = COVID-19 pandemic in India
<!--Maps are hidden because they are out of date or do not display the most recent data-->
<!--| map1            = India COVID-19 cases density map.svg{{!}}upright=1.5
| legend1         = {{center|COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people by state, as of 18 May 2021}}
{{collapsed infobox section begin|Map of confirmed cases|div=yes}}
| map2            = India COVID-19 confirmed cases map.svg{{!}}upright=1.5
| legend2         = {{center|Map of confirmed cases}}
{{collapsed infobox section end|div=yes}}
{{collapsed infobox section begin|Map of active cases|div=yes}}
| map3            = India COVID-19 active cases map.svg{{!}}upright=1.5
| legend3         = {{center|Map of active cases}}
{{collapsed infobox section end|div=yes}}
{{collapsed infobox section begin|Map of confirmed deaths|div=yes}}
| map4            = India COVID-19 deaths map.svg{{!}}upright=1.5
| legend4         = {{center|Map of deaths due to the pandemic}}
{{collapsed infobox section end|div=yes}}-->| image           = COVID-19 pandemic in India.jpg
| caption         = Health checks during the COVID-19 pandemic in India, June 2020
| disease         = [[COVID-19]]
| virus_strain    = [[SARS-CoV-2]]
| location        = [[India]]
| first_case      = [[Thrissur]], Kerala<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web
|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kerala-reports-first-confirmed-novel-coronavirus-case-in-india-1641593-2020-01-30
  |title=Kerala confirmed first novel coronavirus case in India
  |work=India Today
  |date=30 January 2020}}</ref><br />{{coord|10.5276|76.2144|format=dms|type:village_region:IN|display=inline}}
| date            = {{start date|2020|01|30|df=yes}}{{snd}}ongoing<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=01|day1=30|year1=2020|month2=|day2=|year2=}})<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news
  |title=India confirms its first coronavirus case
  |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/30/india-confirms-first-case-of-the-coronavirus.html
  |access-date=28 March 2020
|publisher=CNBC
  |date=30 January 2020 |first1=David |last1=Reid}}</ref>
| origin          = [[Wuhan]], Hubei, China<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news
  |last1=Sheikh |first1=Knvul |last2=Rabin |first2=Roni Caryn
  |title=The Coronavirus: What Scientists Have Learned So Far
  |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-coronavirus.html
  |work=[[The New York Times]]
  |date=10 March 2020
|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref>
| territories     = [[States and union territories of India|28 states and 8 union territories]]<ref name="mohfw">{{#invoke:Cite|web
|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/
  |title=Home {{!}} Ministry of Health and Family Welfare {{!}} GOI
  |website=mohfw.gov.in
  |access-date={{TODAY}}}}</ref>
| total population = 
| confirmed_cases = {{COVID-19 data/Text|IN|cases}}
| suspected_cases = >848,400,000 (>70% of India's population, 2021 estimate)<ref name="Indian perspective">{{cite journal|url=http://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9860853/|title=Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2: An Indian Perspective of Vaccination and Management|journal=Vaccines|volume=11|issue=1|pages=|author1=Vivek P Chavda|author2=Pankti Balar|author3=Dixa Vaghela|author4=Hetvi K Solanki|author5=Akta Vaishnav|author6=Vivek Hala|author7=Lalitkumar Vora|publisher=PMC National Library of Medicine|date=11 January 2023|access-date=27 November 2025|doi=10.3390/vaccines11010160|doi-access=free|hdl=|hdl-access=|pmc=9860853}}</ref><ref name="just how big" />
| active_cases    = 
| recovery_cases  = 42,604,881
| deaths          = {{COVID-19 data/Text|IN|deaths}} (official count)<br />
>4,700,000 (early 2022 WHO estimate)<ref name="nearly 15 million">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/health-61327778|title=Covid: World's true pandemic death toll nearly 15 million, says WHO|author1=Naomi Grimley|author2=Jack Cornish|author3=Nassos Stylianou|work=[[BBC News]]|date=5 May 2022|access-date=27 November 2025}}</ref><ref name="just how big">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/05/25/world/asia/india-covid-death-estimates.html|title=
Just How Big Could India's True Covid Toll Be?|author1=Lazaro Gamio|author2=James Glanz|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=25 May 2021|access-date=27 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012150040/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/05/25/world/asia/india-covid-death-estimates.html|archive-date=12 October 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
| fatality_rate   = {{Percentage|{{COVID-19 data/Text|IN|deaths|unref=yes}}|{{COVID-19 data/Text|IN|cases|unref=yes}}|2}}
| vaccinations    = {{ublist|{{COVID-19 data/Text|IN|total_vaccinated}} (total people vaccinated)|{{COVID-19 data/Text|IN|fully_vaccinated}} (people fully vaccinated)|{{COVID-19 data/Text|IN|vaccine_doses}} (vaccine doses given)}}
| website         = {{URL|www.mohfw.gov.in/}}<br />{{URL|www.mygov.in/covid-19}}
}}

The '''COVID-19 pandemic in India''' is a part of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. [[COVID-19]] is caused by [[SARS-CoV-2]]. As of {{date}}, according to Indian government figures, India has the second-highest number of confirmed cases in the world (after the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|United States]]) with {{COVID-19 data/Text|IN|cases}} reported cases of COVID-19 infection and the third-highest number of COVID-19 deaths (after the United States and [[COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil|Brazil]]) at {{COVID-19 data/Text|IN|deaths}} deaths.<ref name="BBCNews-2021-1">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=2 May 2021|title=India coronavirus: New record deaths as virus engulfs India|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56961940|access-date=3 May 2021}}</ref><ref>Multiple sources:

* {{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Yeung|first=Jessie|date=28 April 2021|title=As Covid sweeps India, experts say cases and deaths are going unreported|publisher=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/27/india/india-covid-underreporting-intl-hnk-dst/index.html}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news |last1=Gettleman |first1=Jeffrey |last2=Yasir |first2=Sameer |last3=Kumar |first3=Hari |last4=Raj |first4=Suhasini |last5=Loke |first5=Atul |title=As Covid-19 Devastates India, Deaths Go Undercounted |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/24/world/asia/india-coronavirus-deaths.html |date=24 April 2021 | url-access=limited |issn=0362-4331}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=3 May 2021|title=India COVID patients 'die due to oxygen shortage'|agency=AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/3/india-covid-cases-near-20-million-uk-to-send-more-aid-live-news}}</ref> In October 2021, the [[World Health Organization]] estimated 4.7 million excess deaths, both directly and indirectly related to COVID-19 to have taken place in India.<ref name="Biswas">{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-60981318 |title=Why India's real Covid toll may never be known |first=Soutik |last=Biswas|date=5 May 2022 | work=BBC }}</ref><ref name="WHO estimate">{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-61327778 |title=Covid: World's true pandemic death toll nearly 15 million, says WHO|first1= Naomi |last1=Grimley|first2= Jack |last2=Cornish|first3= Nassos |last3=Stylianou|work=BBC News |date=5 May 2022}}</ref> Multiple studies, using several different sources of data and methods, have found similarly large estimates of excess deaths in India.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Banaji |first1=Murad |last2=Gupta |first2=Aashish |title=Estimates of pandemic excess mortality in India based on civil registration data |journal=PLOS Global Public Health |date=2022-12-09 |volume=2 |issue=12 |article-number=e0000803 |doi=10.1371/journal.pgph.0000803  |doi-access=free|url=https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0000803 |access-date=2026-03-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Salvatore |first1=Maxwell |last2=Wahl |first2=Brian |last3=Mukherjee |first3=Bhramar |title=India's death toll in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from delayed official civil registration data |journal=Journal of Global Health |date=2025-11-14 |volume=15 |page=03045 |doi=10.7189/jogh.15.03045 |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41232123/ |access-date=2026-03-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jha |first1=Prabhat |last2=Deshmukh |first2=Yashwant |last3=Tumbe |first3=Chinmay |last4=Suraweera |first4=Wilson |last5=Bhowmick |first5=Aditi |last6=Sharma |first6=Sankalp |last7=Novosad |first7=Paul |last8=Fu |first8=Sze Hang |last9=Newcombe |first9=Leslie |last10=Gelband |first10=Hellen |last11=Brown |first11=Patrick |title=COVID mortality in India: National survey data and health facility deaths |journal=Science |date=2022-02-11 |volume=375 |issue=6581 |pages=667–671 |doi=10.1126/science.abm5154 |url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abm5154 |access-date=2026-03-11|pmc=9836201 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Aashish |last2=Banaji |first2=Murad |title=Will the Government Finally Acknowledge the Scale of India's Covid-19 Tragedy? |url=https://www.theindiaforum.in/health/will-government-india-finally-acknowledge-scale-indias-covid-tragedy |work=The India Forum |date=2025-07-11 |access-date=2026-03-11}}</ref> These deaths were distributed unequally - marginalized social groups and women were more likely to have been impacted compared to privileged social groups and men.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=Aashish |last2=Hathi |first2=Payal |last3=Banaji |first3=Murad |last4=Gupta |first4=Prankur |last5=Kashyap |first5=Ridhi |last6=Paikra |first6=Vipul |last7=Vyas |first7=Sangita |title=Large and unequal life expectancy declines during the COVID-19 pandemic in India in 2020 |journal=Science Advances |date=2024-07-17 |volume=10 |issue=29 |article-number=eadk2070 |doi=10.1126/sciadv.adk2070 |url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk2070 |access-date=2026-03-11}}</ref>

The first cases of COVID-19 in India were reported on 30 January 2020 in three towns of [[Kerala]], among three Indian medical students who had returned from [[Wuhan]], the epicenter of the pandemic.<ref name="Andrews-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|journal |last1= Andrews |first1= MA |last2= Areekal |first2= Binu |last3= Rajesh |first3= KR |last4= Krishnan |first4= Jijith |last5= Suryakala |first5= R |last6= Krishnan |first6= Biju |last7= Muraly |first7= CP |last8= Santhosh |first8= PV |date= May 2020 |title= First confirmed case of COVID-19 infection in India: A case report |url= https://www.ijmr.org.in/article.asp?issn=0971-5916;year=2020;volume=151;issue=5;spage=490;epage=492;aulast=Andrews |journal= Indian Journal of Medical Research |volume= 151 |issue= 5 |pages= 490–492 |doi= 10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_2131_20 |pmid= 32611918 |pmc= 7530459 |access-date= 1 June 2021 |doi-access= free }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Narasimhan|first1=T. E.|title=India's first coronavirus case: Kerala student in Wuhan tested positive|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-s-first-coronavirus-case-kerala-student-in-wuhan-tested-positive-120013001782_1.html|work=Business Standard India|date=30 January 2020|access-date=7 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311040438/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-s-first-coronavirus-case-kerala-student-in-wuhan-tested-positive-120013001782_1.html|archive-date=11 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=20 February 2020|title=India's first coronavirus patient discharged after being cured|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-first-coronavirus-patient-discharged-after-being-cured/story-mjVW4VnSwT9mgYU5V1F4jK.html|access-date=24 July 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Lockdowns were announced in Kerala on 23 March, and in the rest of the country on 25 March. Infection rates started to drop in September.<ref name="Infectiondrop">{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=With very high COVID-19 testing, India's positivity rate fallen below 8%: MoHFW|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/with-very-high-covid-19-testing-indias-positivity-rate-fallen-below-8-mohfw/articleshow/78727824.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=18 October 2020|access-date=19 October 2020}}</ref> Daily cases peaked mid-September with over 90,000 cases reported per-day, dropping to below 15,000 in January 2021.<ref name="Safi-2021" /> A second wave beginning in March 2021 was much more devastating than the first, with shortages of vaccines, hospital beds, [[Gas cylinder|oxygen cylinders]] and other medical supplies in parts of the country.<ref name="Safi-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Michael Safi|title=India's shocking surge in Covid cases follows baffling decline|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/21/india-shocking-surge-in-covid-cases-follows-baffling-decline|work=The Guardian|date=21 April 2021|access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref> By late April, India led the world in new and active cases. On 30 April 2021, it became the first country to report over 400,000 new cases in a 24-hour period.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=30 April 2021|title=Coronavirus {{!}} India becomes first country in the world to report over 4 lakh new cases on 30 April 2021|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-india-becomes-first-country-in-the-world-to-report-over-400000-new-cases-on-april-30-2021/article34453081.ece|access-date=2 May 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="BBCNews-2021-1" /> Experts stated that the virus ''may'' reach an [[Endemic (epidemiology)|endemic]] stage in India rather than completely disappear;<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Manral|first=Karan|date=9 July 2021|title=When will India be free of Covid-19? Virus will become endemic, says top ICMR official|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/when-will-india-be-free-of-covid-19-virus-may-become-endemic-says-top-icmr-official-101625833444281.html|url-status=live|access-date=25 August 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709132019/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/when-will-india-be-free-of-covid-19-virus-may-become-endemic-says-top-icmr-official-101625833444281.html |archive-date=9 July 2021 }}</ref> in late August 2021, [[Soumya Swaminathan]] said India may be in some stage of endemicity where the country learns to live with the virus.<ref name="Bhaduri-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Bhaduri|first=Ayshee|date=25 August 2021|editor-last=Goswami|editor-first=Sohini|title=Learning to live with Covid? India may be entering endemic stage, says top doc|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/learning-to-live-with-covid-india-may-be-entering-endemic-stage-says-top-doc-101629875895940.html|url-status=live|access-date=25 August 2021|website=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825094418/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/learning-to-live-with-covid-india-may-be-entering-endemic-stage-says-top-doc-101629875895940.html |archive-date=25 August 2021 }}</ref>

India began its [[COVID-19 vaccination in India|vaccination programme]] on 16 January 2021 with [[Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine|AstraZeneca vaccine]] (Covishield) and the indigenous [[Covaxin]].<ref name="MyGov.in-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web |title=#IndiaFightsCorona COVID-19 |url=https://www.mygov.in/covid-19 |website=MyGov.in |date=16 March 2020 |publisher=Govt of India |access-date=12 June 2021}}</ref><ref>[https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/daily-covid-19-vaccination-doses?tab=chart&country=~IND Daily COVID-19 vaccine doses administered – India], Our World in Data. Retrieved 13 May 2021.</ref> Later, [[Sputnik V vaccine|Sputnik V]] and the [[Moderna COVID-19 vaccine|Moderna vaccine]] was approved for emergency use too.<ref name="Livemint">{{#invoke:Cite|web|website=Livemint|date=29 June 2021|title=Cipla gets nod to import Moderna's vaccine for emergency use in India: Report|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/cipla-gets-nod-to-import-moderna-s-covid-vaccine-for-emergency-use-in-india-11624959964096.html|access-date=29 June 2021|language=en}}</ref> On 30 January 2022, India announced that it administered about 1.7 billion doses of vaccines and more than 720 million people were fully vaccinated.<ref name="UNSDG">{{#invoke:Cite|web | title=United with India: Supporting India's COVID-19 vaccination drive | website=UNSDG | date=2022-05-02 | url=https://unsdg.un.org/latest/stories/united-india-supporting-indias-covid-19-vaccination-drive | access-date=2022-05-08|quote=On January 30, 2022, India announced that 75 percent of its adult population had received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with some 1.7 billion doses of vaccines administered and over 720 million people fully vaccinated in just over a year.}}</ref>

== Timeline ==
{{Main|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in India (January–May 2020)|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in India (June–December 2020)|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in India (2021)}}
[[File:COVID-19-India-log.svg|thumb|300px|right]]
{{anchor|COVID chart}}
=== 2020 ===
On 12 January 2020, the [[World Health Organization|WHO]] confirmed that a [[novel coronavirus]] was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in [[Wuhan|Wuhan, Hubei, China]], which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.<ref name="Reynolds4March2020">{{#invoke:Cite|news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Matt |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus |title=What is coronavirus and how close is it to becoming a pandemic? |date=4 March 2020 |magazine=Wired UK|access-date=5 March 2020 |issn=1357-0978|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305104806/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus|archive-date=5 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 30 January 2020, India reported its first case of COVID-19 in [[Thrissur]], Kerala,<ref name="Andrews-2020" /> which rose to three cases by 3 February 2020; all were students returning from Wuhan.<ref name="Raza2020">{{#invoke:Cite|book|last=Kumar|first=K. Reji |editor=Khalid Raza|title=Computational Intelligence Methods in COVID-19: Surveillance, Prevention, Prediction and Diagnosis|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vmsDEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA166|year=2020|publisher=Springer |location=New Delhi|language=English|isbn=978-981-15-8533-3|page=166|chapter=A comparative study of the SIR prediction models and disease control strategies: A case study of the state of Kerala, India}}</ref> Apart from these, no significant rise in transmissions was observed in February. On 4 March 22 new cases were reported, including 14 infected members of an Italian tourist group.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Perappadan|first1=Bindu Shajan|date=4 March 2020|title=COVID-19 {{!}} 6 members of Delhi patient's family test positive for coronavirus|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/covid-19-6-members-of-delhi-patients-family-test-positive-for-coronavirus/article30980724.ece|access-date=2 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Transmissions increased over the month after several people with travel history to affected countries, and their contacts, tested positive.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|journal |last1=Laxminarayan |first1=Ramanan |last2=Wahl |first2=Brian |last3=Dudala |first3=Shankar Reddy |last4=Gopal |first4=K. |last5=Mohan B |first5=Chandra |last6=Neelima |first6=S. |last7=Jawahar Reddy |first7=K. S. |last8=Radhakrishnan |first8=J. |last9=Lewnard |first9=Joseph A. |date=2020-11-06 |title=Epidemiology and transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in two Indian states |journal=Science |language=en |volume=370 |issue=6517 |pages=691–697 |doi=10.1126/science.abd7672 |issn=0036-8075 |pmc=7857399 |pmid=33154136|bibcode=2020Sci...370..691L }}</ref> On 12 March, a 76-year-old man, with a travel history to Saudi Arabia, became the first COVID-19 fatality of India.<ref name="death1">{{#invoke:Cite|web |title=India's first coronavirus death is confirmed in Karnataka |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-first-coronavirus-death-in-karnataka-confirmed/story-2ZJ6IuxJ38EiGndBq5pfHO.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=12 March 2020|access-date=27 March 2020}}</ref>

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 | image1 = COVID-19-Pandemie - IN (Indien) - Infizierte (800px).svg
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A Sikh preacher, who had a travel history to Italy and Germany, turned into a [[Superspreading event|superspreader]] by attending a [[Hola Mohalla|Sikh festival]] in [[Anandpur Sahib]] during 10–12 March.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Wallen|first=Joe|date=28 March 2020|title=40,000 Indians quarantined after 'super spreader' ignores government advice|newspaper=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/28/40000-quarantined-punjab-super-spreader-ignores-government-advice/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/28/40000-quarantined-punjab-super-spreader-ignores-government-advice/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-status=live|url-access=registration|access-date=30 May 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="super">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=27 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: India 'super spreader' quarantines 40,000 people|newspaper=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52061915|access-date=30 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=28 March 2020|title=Septuagenarian Sikh priest infected 27 of total 38 coronavirus cases in Punjab|newspaper=India Today|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/septuagenarian-sikh-priest-infected-27-of-38-coronavirus-cases-punjab-1660789-2020-03-28|access-date=30 May 2021}}</ref> Over 40,000 people in 20 villages in Punjab were quarantined on 27 March to contain the spread.<ref name="super" /><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Najib|first=Moska|date=29 March 2020|title=At least 40,000 quarantined in India after single priest spread coronavirus|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/least-40-000-quarantined-india-after-single-priest-spread-coronavirus-n1171261|url-status=live|access-date=30 May 2021|publisher=NBC News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329181139/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/least-40-000-quarantined-india-after-single-priest-spread-coronavirus-n1171261 |archive-date=29 March 2020 }}</ref> On 31 March, a [[Tablighi Jamaat]] religious congregation event in Delhi, which had taken place earlier in March, emerged as a [[2020 Tablighi Jamaat COVID-19 hotspot in Delhi|COVID-19 hotspot]].<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sharma|first=Neetu Chandra|date=18 April 2020|title=30% covid-19 cases in India linked to Tablighi Jamaat event: Govt|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/30-covid-19-cases-in-india-linked-to-tablighi-jamaat-event-govt-11587218560611.html|access-date=5 June 2020|website=Livemint}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=31 March 2020|title=India event sparks massive search for Covid-19 cases|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52104753|access-date=30 May 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Kumar|first=Parimal|agency=PTI|date=4 April 2020|title=30 Per Cent Of Coronavirus Cases Linked To Delhi Mosque Event: Government|publisher=NDTV|editor-last=Srinivasan|editor-first=Chandrashekar|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-tablighi-jamaat-30-per-cent-of-coronavirus-cases-linked-to-delhi-mosque-event-government-2206163|access-date=30 May 2021}}</ref> On 2 May, around 4,000 stranded pilgrims returned from [[Hazur Sahib]] in [[Nanded]], Maharashtra to [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]. Many of them tested positive, including 27 bus drivers and conductors who had been part of the transport arrangement.<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|date=4 May 2020|title=SAD, Congress leaders trade barbs as over 600 Nanded pilgrims contract coronavirus|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/chandigarh/sad-congress-leaders-trade-barbs-as-over-600-nanded-pilgrims-contract-coronavirus/articleshow/75523770.cms|url-status=live|access-date=4 May 2020|website=The Times of India|agency=Press Trust of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518211625/https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/india-punjab-27-bus-drivers-conductors-that-returned-from-nanded-test-corona-positive-1228907 |archive-date=18 May 2020 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|date=5 May 2020|title=Punjab: 27 bus drivers & conductors that returned from Nanded test Corona positive|url=https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/india-punjab-27-bus-drivers-conductors-that-returned-from-nanded-test-corona-positive-1228907|url-status=live|access-date=6 May 2020|website=ABP News Live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518211625/https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/india-punjab-27-bus-drivers-conductors-that-returned-from-nanded-test-corona-positive-1228907 |archive-date=18 May 2020 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=13 May 2020|title=1,225 Nanded returnees test COVID-19 positive: government|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/1225-nanded-returnees-test-covid-19-positive-government/article31576136.ece|access-date=14 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

In July 2020, it was estimated based on antibody tests that at least 57% of the inhabitants of Mumbai's slums may have been infected with COVID-19 at some point.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|author=Hollingsworth|first1=Julia|last2=Mitra|first2=Esha|date=29 July 2020|title=More than half of Mumbai slum residents may have been infected with Covid-19, study suggests|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/29/asia/india-mumbai-slum-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=23 February 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729143836/https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/29/asia/india-mumbai-slum-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=29 July 2020 }}</ref>

A government panel on COVID-19 stated in October 2020 that the pandemic had peaked in India, and could come under control by February 2021.<ref name="Peak">{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Preeti Biswas|date=18 October 2020|title=Covid-19 peak over; pandemic can be controlled by February 2021: Govt-appointed panel|newspaper=The Times of India|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/no-fresh-lockdowns-recommended-at-local-level-government-appointed-panel-on-covid-19/articleshow/78732643.cms|access-date=19 October 2020}}</ref> This prediction was based on a mathematical simulation referred to as the "Indian Supermodel", assuming that India reaches [[herd immunity]].<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|citation|title=Modelling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic – Impact of lockdowns & interventions|date=October 2020|periodical=Indian Journal of Medical Research|language=German|doi=10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_4051_20|pmid=33146155|author1=Manindra Agrawal|author2=Madhuri Kanitkar|author3=M. Vidyasagar|volume=153|issue=1 & 2|pages=175–181|pmc=8184064 |doi-access=free }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Indian Supermodel for Covid-19 Pandemic|url=https://www.iith.ac.in/~m_vidyasagar/arXiv/Super-Model.pdf|language=en}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|title=National Supermodel of COVID-19 with Projections|url=https://www.iith.ac.in/~m_vidyasagar/arXiv/Covid-Pres.pdf}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|title=DST initiates COVID-19 India National Supermodel for monitoring infection transmission & aid decision-making by policymakers|url=https://dst.gov.in/dst-initiates-covid-19-india-national-supermodel-monitoring-infection-transmission-aid-decision|publisher=Government of India, Ministry of Science and Technology|language=en}}</ref> That month, a new [[Variants of SARS-CoV-2|SARS-CoV-2 variant]], [[Lineage B.1.617]], was detected in the country.<ref name="SMC1">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=19 April 2021|title=Expert reaction to cases of variant B.1.617 (the 'Indian variant') being investigated in the UK|url=https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-cases-of-variant-b-1-617-the-indian-variant-being-investigated-in-the-uk/|url-status=live|access-date=20 April 2021|website=Science Media Centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419143942/https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-cases-of-variant-b-1-617-the-indian-variant-being-investigated-in-the-uk/ |archive-date=19 April 2021 }}</ref>

=== 2021: Second wave ===
{{See also|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2021}}
[[File:India & Delhi daily cases wave comparison.png|thumb|478x478px|India's two waves versus Delhi's four waves in the same time period taking into account daily COVID-19 cases]]
India began its vaccination programme on 16 January 2021.<ref name="BBCNews-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=1 May 2021|title=Covid-19 vaccination: How is India's inoculation drive going|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56345591|access-date=22 April 2021}}</ref> On 19 January 2021, nearly a year after the first reported case in the country, [[COVID-19 pandemic in Lakshadweep|Lakshadweep]] became the last [[States and union territories of India|region of India]] to report its first case.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=19 January 2021|title=Nearly a year after Covid-19 outbreak in India, Lakshadweep reports its first-ever case|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/lakshadweep-reports-first-ever-coronavirus-covid19-case-1760411-2021-01-19|access-date=19 January 2021}}</ref> By February 2021, daily cases had fallen to 9,000 per-day.<ref name="Yeung-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Yeung|first1=Jessie|last2=Sud|first2=Vedika|last3=Mitra|first3=Esha|date=5 April 2021|title=India reports new record of 103,558 daily Covid cases, as second wave and new lockdowns hit|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/05/india/india-second-wave-covid-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 April 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405115605/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/05/india/india-second-wave-covid-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=5 April 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Pandey-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Pandey|first=Vikas|date=7 April 2021|title=India Covid-19: 'No end in sight' as doctors battle second wave|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56645701|access-date=22 April 2021}}</ref> However, by early-April 2021, a major ''second wave'' of infections took hold in the country with destructive consequences;<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |last=X |date=2020-09-30 |title=Largest study of COVID-19 transmission highlights essential role of super-spreaders |url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-09-30/largest-covid-19-transmission-study-highlights-super-spreaders |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Associated Press">{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Indians turn to black market, unproven drugs as virus surges |url=https://apnews.com/article/india-science-coronavirus-business-health-c2a72c4d2ab29aa163e785ca98181023 |work=AP NEWS |date=29 April 2021 |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> on 9 April, India surpassed 1 million active cases,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Bhattacharya|first1=Amit|date=10 April 2021|title=Covid-19: Active cases cross 1 million, at all-time high now|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/covid-19-active-cases-cross-1-million-at-all-time-high-now/articleshow/81996188.cms|url-status=live|access-date=12 April 2021|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409202019/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/covid-19-active-cases-cross-1-million-at-all-time-high-now/articleshow/81996188.cms |archive-date=9 April 2021 }}</ref> and by 12 April, India overtook Brazil as having the second-most COVID-19 cases worldwide.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=12 April 2021|agency=PTI|title=COVID-19: India overtakes Brazil with second highest number of cases|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/apr/12/covid-19-india-overtakes-brazil-with-second-highest-number-of-cases-2289126.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 April 2021|newspaper=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422180143/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/apr/12/covid-19-india-overtakes-brazil-with-second-highest-number-of-cases-2289126.html |archive-date=22 April 2021 }}</ref> By late April, India passed 2.5&nbsp;million active cases and was reporting an average of 300,000 new cases and 2,000 deaths per-day. Some analysts feared this was an undercount.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Gettleman|first1=Jeffrey|last2=Yasir|first2=Sameer|last3=Kumar|first3=Hari|last4=Raj|first4=Suhasini|last5=Loke|first5=Atul|date=24 April 2021|title=As Covid-19 Devastates India, Deaths Go Undercounted|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/24/world/asia/india-coronavirus-deaths.html|access-date=24 April 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On 30 April, India reported over 400,000 new cases and over 3,500 deaths in one day.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Hollingsworth|first1=Julia|last2=McKeehan|first2=Brett|last3=Kottasová|first3=Ivana|date=1 May 2021|title=India records more than 400,000 Covid-19 cases in a single day|url=https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-05-01-21/h_cdd6ab036620523ad156b8347c47448f|url-status=live|access-date=1 May 2021|publisher=CNN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501043651/https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-05-01-21/h_cdd6ab036620523ad156b8347c47448f |archive-date=1 May 2021 }}</ref>

Multiple factors have been proposed to have potentially contributed to the [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0270789 sudden spike in cases], including highly-infectious variants of concern such as [[Lineage B.1.617]],<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Despite a billion vaccine shots given, Covid-19 runs rampant in much of the world.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/04/25/world/covid-vaccine-coronavirus-cases#despite-a-billion-vaccine-shots-given-covid-19-runs-rampant-in-much-of-the-world|access-date=28 April 2021|newspaper=The New York Times|date=25 April 2021|last1=Rogers|first1=Katie}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=19 April 2021 |title=India's 'double mutation' covid virus variant is worrying the world|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indias-double-mutation-covid-virus-variant-is-worrying-the-world-11618789603145.html|url-status=live|access-date=28 April 2021|website=mint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419003736/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indias-double-mutation-covid-virus-variant-is-worrying-the-world-11618789603145.html |archive-date=19 April 2021 }}</ref> a lack of preparations as temporary hospitals were often dismantled after cases started to decline, and new facilities were not built,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=26 April 2021|title=State after state shut down special Covid centres just before second wave|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/state-after-state-shut-down-special-covid-centres-just-before-2nd-wave-7289078/|access-date=30 April 2021|website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref name="Lancet">{{#invoke:Cite|journal|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=8 May 2021|title=India's COVID-19 emergency|journal=The Lancet|volume=397|issue=10286|page=1683|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01052-7| issn=0140-6736|pmc=8102046|pmid=33965073}}</ref> and health and safety precautions being poorly-implemented or enforced during weddings,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=19 March 2021|title=Superspreader events like weddings behind new Covid surge: Govt panel|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/superspreader-events-like-weddings-behind-new-covid-surge-govt-panel-101616177606318.html|url-status=live|access-date=30 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319181534/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/superspreader-events-like-weddings-behind-new-covid-surge-govt-panel-101616177606318.html |archive-date=19 March 2021 }}</ref> festivals (such as [[Holi]] on 29 March,<ref name="IndianExpress-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=29 March 2021|title=Despite surge in cases, Covid guidelines flouted during Holi celebrations|work=The Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/india-news/covid-19-holi-celebrations-7250394/7/|access-date=24 April 2021}}</ref><ref name="DNAIndia-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=29 March 2021|title=Holi 2021: Scores of devotees flout COVID-19 protocols at Mathura's Dwarkadhish Temple|work=DNA India|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-holi-2021-scores-of-devotees-flout-covid19-protocols-at-mathura-dwarkadhish-temple-2883537|access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref> and the [[Haridwar Kumbh Mela]] which was linked to at least 1,700 positive cases between 10 and 14 April including cases in Hindu seers),<ref name="Kamal-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Kamal|first1=Hassan|date=22 April 2021|title=Kumbh Mela and election rallies: How two super spreader events have contributed to India's massive second wave of COVID-19 cases|work=Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/kumbh-mela-and-election-rallies-how-two-super-spreader-events-have-contributed-to-indias-massive-second-wave-of-covid-19-cases-9539551.html|access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=15 April 2021|title=Over 1,700 test positive for COVID-19 in Kumbh Mela over 5-day period|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-over-1700-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-kumbh-mela-over-5-day-period/article34325844.ece|access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> sporting events (such as [[Indian Premier League|IPL]]<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Anand Vasu|date=4 May 2021|title=The IPL failed by ignoring stark warning signs of India's Covid crisis|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2021/may/04/indian-premier-league-suspended-failed-ignoring-warning-covid-crisis|access-date=5 May 2021}}</ref>), [[2021 elections in India|state and local elections]] in which politicians and activists have held in several states,<ref>* {{#invoke:Cite|web|author=Arun Janardhanan|date=27 April 2021|title=Irresponsible… must perhaps face murder charge: Madras HC on Election Commission|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/eci-responsible-for-spreading-covid-19-says-madras-hc-7289824/|access-date=30 April 2021|website=The Indian Express|place=Chennai}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|date=27 April 2021|title=UP: After Report Says 135 People on Poll Duty Died Due to COVID-19, High Court Pulls Up SEC|url=https://thewire.in/law/uttar-pradesh-covid-19-poll-duty-deaths-allahabad-high-court-election-commission|access-date=30 April 2021|website=The Wire|place=New Delhi}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Pandey|first=Neelam|date=13 April 2021|title=Modi, Shah, Mamata or Rahul, no one cares about EC Covid warning & rallies continue as usual|url=https://theprint.in/politics/modi-shah-mamata-or-rahul-no-one-cares-about-ec-covid-warning-rallies-continue-as-usual/638661/|url-status=live|access-date=27 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413025642/https://theprint.in/politics/modi-shah-mamata-or-rahul-no-one-cares-about-ec-covid-warning-rallies-continue-as-usual/638661/ |archive-date=13 April 2021 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Jacob|first=Jeemon|date=7 April 2021|title=Kerala: Elections to blame for Covid-19 spike|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/kerala-elections-to-blame-for-covid-19-spike-1788312-2021-04-07|access-date=4 May 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Blair|first=Alex|date=28 April 2021|title=Indian government criticised for praising political rallies midway through COVID-19 second wave|work=News AU|url=https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/indian-government-criticised-for-praising-political-rallies-midway-through-covid19-second-wave/news-story/0ba15c5b0713b1bebfb3f6a73429b037|access-date=2 May 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ghosh|first=Abantika|date=24 March 2021|title=Punjab blames comorbidities, 'roster' of protesting farmers for Covid surge, Centre disagrees|url=https://theprint.in/health/punjab-blames-comorbidities-roster-of-protesting-farmers-for-covid-surge-centre-disagrees/627806/|access-date=27 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> and in public places.<ref name="IndianExpress-2021" /><ref name="DNAIndia-2021" /> An economic slowdown put pressure on the government to lift restrictions,<ref name="G210429">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Safi|first=Michael|date=29 April 2021|title='We are not special': how triumphalism led India to Covid-19 disaster|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/29/we-are-not-special-how-triumphalism-led-india-to-covid-19-disaster|url-status=live|access-date=30 April 2021|website=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429115207/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/29/we-are-not-special-how-triumphalism-led-india-to-covid-19-disaster |archive-date=29 April 2021 }}</ref> and there had been a feeling of [[exceptionalism]] based on the hope that India's young population and childhood immunisation scheme would blunt the impact of the virus.<ref name="G210429" /> Models may have underestimated projected cases and deaths due to the under-reporting of cases in the country.<ref name="G210422">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Beaumont|first=Peter|date=22 April 2021|title=Covid-19: India's response to second wave is warning to other countries|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/22/covid-19-india-response-to-second-wave-is-warning-to-other-countries|url-status=live|access-date=30 April 2021|website=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422040626/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/22/covid-19-india-response-to-second-wave-is-warning-to-other-countries |archive-date=22 April 2021 }}</ref><ref name="G210429" />

Due to high demand, the vaccination programme began to be hit with supply issues; exports of the [[Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine|Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine]] were suspended to meet domestic demand,<ref name="Beaumont-2021" /> there have been shortages of the raw materials required to manufacture vaccines domestically,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Yeung|first1=Jessie|last2=Suri|first2=Manveena|date=1 May 2021|title=Every adult in India is now eligible for Covid vaccine shots, but some states say they have none to offer|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/01/india/india-covid-vaccine-rollout-delay-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=1 May 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501120012/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/01/india/india-covid-vaccine-rollout-delay-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=1 May 2021 }}</ref> while [[Vaccine hesitancy|hesitancy]] and a lack of knowledge among poorer, rural communities has also impacted the programme.<ref name="Beaumont-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Beaumont|first=Peter|date=24 March 2021|title=Delhi reportedly halts AstraZeneca Covid vaccine exports as cases soar|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/24/delhi-reportedly-halts-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-exports-as-cases-soar|url-status=live|access-date=22 April 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324163404/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/24/delhi-reportedly-halts-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-exports-as-cases-soar |archive-date=24 March 2021 }}</ref><ref name="BBCNews-2021" /><ref name="Pandey-2021" />

The second wave placed a major strain on the [[Healthcare in India|healthcare system]],<ref name="IndianExpress-2021" /> including a shortage of liquid medical oxygen due to ignored warnings which began in the first wave itself,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Patel|first=Anand|date=25 April 2021|title=Parliamentary panel had alerted about oxygen shortage in February, says Congress|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/parliamentary-panel-had-alerted-about-oxygen-shortage-in-february-says-congress-1794791-2021-04-25|url-status=live|access-date=6 June 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425091408/https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/parliamentary-panel-had-alerted-about-oxygen-shortage-in-february-says-congress-1794791-2021-04-25 |archive-date=25 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=20 August 2020|title=Karnataka government ignored experts' advice to up oxygen supply|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/aug/20/karnataka-governemnt-ignored-experts-advice-to-up-oxygen-supply-2185795.html|url-status=live|access-date=6 June 2021|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822215658/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/aug/20/karnataka-governemnt-ignored-experts-advice-to-up-oxygen-supply-2185795.html |archive-date=22 August 2020 }}</ref> logistic issues, and a lack of cryogenic tankers.<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Ellis-Petersen|first1=Hannah|last2=Rourke|first2=Alison|date=26 April 2021|title=India's Covid crisis: doctors sound warning over oxygen hoarding|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/26/doctors-sound-warning-over-oxygen-hoarding-as-india-reports-record-covid-cases-and-deaths|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421064014/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/21/india/india-covid-hospital-shortage-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=21 April 2021 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news |date=24 April 2021|agency=Reuters|title=Three reasons behind India facing an acute oxygen crisis|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/the-three-reasons-behind-india-facing-an-oxygen-crisis-11619244179142.html |access-date=26 April 2021|work=Mint|language=en}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Yeung|first1=Jessie|last2=Sud|first2=Vedika|date=21 April 2021|title=India's second Covid wave hits like a 'tsunami' as hospitals buckle under weight|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/21/india/india-covid-hospital-shortage-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 April 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421064014/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/21/india/india-covid-hospital-shortage-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=21 April 2021 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Gettleman|first1=Jeffrey|last2=Raj|first2=Suhasini|last3=Kumar|first3=Hari|date=21 April 2021|title=India's Health System Cracks Under the Strain as Coronavirus Cases Surge|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/21/world/asia/india-coronavirus-oxygen.html|access-date=22 April 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On 23 April, Modi met via video conference with liquid oxygen suppliers including [[Reliance Industries|Reliance]], SAIL, JSW, [[Tata Steel]], JSPL, AMNS, LINDE, [[Inox Air Products|INOX Air Products]] and Air Water Jamshedpur, where he acknowledged the need to "provide solutions in a very short time", and acknowledged efforts such as increases in production, and the use of rail,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=19 April 2021|title=Covid-19: Railways runs its first Oxygen Express for loading Liquid Medical Oxygen|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/covid-19-railways-runs-its-first-oxygen-express-for-loading-liquid-medical-oxygen/videoshow/82148984.cms|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2021|website=The Economic Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419171528/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/covid-19-railways-runs-its-first-oxygen-express-for-loading-liquid-medical-oxygen/videoshow/82148984.cms |archive-date=19 April 2021 }}</ref> and air transport to deliver oxygen supplies.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=23 April 2021|title='Challenge is to provide solutions in a very short time': PM to oxygen producers|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/challenge-is-to-provide-solutions-in-a-very-short-time-pm-modi-to-oxygen-manufacturers-11619181984458.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2021|website=mint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426104847/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/challenge-is-to-provide-solutions-in-a-very-short-time-pm-modi-to-oxygen-manufacturers-11619181984458.html |archive-date=26 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Rai|first=Arpan|date=23 April 2021|title='Utilise full potential': PM Modi in meeting to review supply of medical oxygen|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/utilise-full-potential-pm-modi-in-meeting-to-review-supply-of-medical-oxygen-101619182439877.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423133541/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/utilise-full-potential-pm-modi-in-meeting-to-review-supply-of-medical-oxygen-101619182439877.html |archive-date=23 April 2021 }}</ref> A large number of new [[oxygen plant]]s were announced;<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=26 April 2021|title=Surge hits a new peak, Centre approves 551 oxygen plants for govt hospitals in districts|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-cares-fund-oxygen-generation-plants-coronavirus-pandemic-7288290/|access-date=26 April 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> the installation burden being shared by the center, coordination with foreign countries with regard to oxygen plants received in the form of aid, and DRDO.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Goswami|first=Sweta|date=9 May 2021|title=Eight oxygen plants added in govt hospitals in Delhi in two weeks|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/eight-oxygen-plants-added-in-govt-hospitals-in-delhi-in-two-weeks-101620499449181.html|url-status=live|access-date=6 June 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508211806/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/eight-oxygen-plants-added-in-govt-hospitals-in-delhi-in-two-weeks-101620499449181.html |archive-date=8 May 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|journal |last1=Batheja |first1=Deepshikha |last2=Kurian |first2=Vinith |last3=Buteau |first3=Sharon |last4=Joy |first4=Neetha |last5=Nair |first5=Ajay |date=2023-08-17 |title=Role of oxygenation devices in alleviating the oxygen crisis in India |journal=PLOS Global Public Health |language=en |volume=3 |issue=8 |article-number=e0002297 |doi=10.1371/journal.pgph.0002297 |doi-access=free |pmid=37590175 |pmc=10434891 |issn=2767-3375}}</ref> A number of countries sent emergency aid to India in the form of oxygen supplies, medicines, raw material for vaccines and ventilators.<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=26 April 2021|title=India's coronavirus crisis intensifies as cases hit new record|publisher=[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann]]|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2021/0426/1212058-coronavirus-india/|access-date=27 April 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=25 April 2021|title=Covid: Countries send aid to ease India's oxygen emergency|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56881083|access-date=26 April 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Rogers|first=Katie|date=25 April 2021|title=In Reversal, U.S. Will Send Vaccine Materials to Stricken India|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/04/25/world/covid-vaccine-coronavirus-cases|access-date=26 April 2021|issn=0362-4331}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Sengupta|first=Somini|date=24 April 2021|title=U.S. Is Under Pressure to Export More Vaccine Supplies Amid India's Deadly Surge|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/04/24/world/covid-vaccine-coronavirus-cases|access-date=3 May 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> This reflected a policy shift in India, as comparable aid offers had been rejected during the past sixteen years.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Roy|first=Shubhajit|date=29 April 2021|title=First policy shift in 16 yrs: India open to foreign aid, ok to buying from China|language=en-GB|work=The Indian Express|place=New Delhi|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/first-policy-shift-in-16-yrs-india-open-to-foreign-aid-ok-to-buying-from-china-7293052/|access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Otukho|first=Jackson|date=29 April 2021|title=India Pushed to Accept Foreign Aid for First Time in 16 Years as COVID-19 Cases Spike|language=en|work=Tuko|url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/410293-india-pushed-accept-foreign-aid-first-time-16-years-covid-19-cases-spike.html|access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |last=www.ETHealthworld.com |title=Blueprint for 'National Medical Oxygen Grid in India' unveiled - ET HealthWorld |url=https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/blueprint-for-national-medical-oxygen-grid-in-india-unveiled/94986562 |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=ETHealthworld.com |language=en}}</ref>

The number of new cases had begun to steadily drop by late-May; on 25 May, the country reported 195,994 new cases—its lowest daily increase since 13 April. However, the mortality rate has remained high;<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Bhattacharya|first=Amit|date=25 May 2021|title=Coronavirus cases in India: After 40 days, daily Covid cases fall below 2 lakh|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-40-days-daily-covid-cases-fall-below-2-lakh/articleshow/82927909.cms|url-status=live|access-date=26 May 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525012757/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-40-days-daily-covid-cases-fall-below-2-lakh/articleshow/82927909.cms |archive-date=25 May 2021 }}</ref> by 24 May, India recorded over 300,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Mackintosh|first=Eliza|date=24 May 2021|title=India's Covid deaths top 300,000|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/24/world/coronavirus-newsletter-intl-05-24-21/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=24 May 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524130844/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/24/world/coronavirus-newsletter-intl-05-24-21/index.html |archive-date=24 May 2021 }}</ref> Around 100,000 deaths had occurred in the last 26 days, and 50,000 in the last 12.<ref name="Bhattacharya-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Bhattacharya|first=Amit|date=24 May 2021|title=India's Covid toll tops 3 lakh, 50,000 deaths in 12 days|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-covid-toll-tops-3-lakh-50000-deaths-in-12-days/articleshow/82892432.cms|url-status=live|access-date=24 May 2021|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523223339/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indias-covid-toll-tops-3-lakh-50000-deaths-in-12-days/articleshow/82892432.cms |archive-date=23 May 2021 }}</ref> In May 2021, WHO declared that two variants first found in India will be referred to as 'Delta' and 'Kappa'.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=31 May 2021|title=COVID Variants Found in India to Be Labelled 'Delta', 'Kappa': WHO|url=https://www.thequint.com/coronavirus/covid-variants-found-in-india-to-be-labelled-delta-and-kappa-who|url-status=live|access-date=6 June 2021|website=TheQuint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531170214/https://www.thequint.com/coronavirus/covid-variants-found-in-india-to-be-labelled-delta-and-kappa-who |archive-date=31 May 2021 }}</ref> The state of Karnataka announced a COVID-19 memorial later that spring, to honour healthcare professionals who had succumbed to the virus.<ref name="EconomicTimes-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=1 July 2021|title=Karnataka to build memorial for COVID warriors who succumbed to COVID-19|work=The Economic Times|agency=PTI|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/karnataka-to-build-memorial-for-covid-warriors-who-succumbed-to-covid-19/articleshow/84014641.cms?from=mdr|access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref>

On 25 August 2021, [[Soumya Swaminathan]] said that India "may be entering some kind of stage of [[endemicity]] where there is low level transmission or moderate level transmission going on" but nothing as severe as before, in other words India is learning to live with the virus.<ref name="Bhaduri-2021" />

India announced a mandatory 10-day quarantine on travellers arriving from United Kingdom irrespective of their vaccination status starting 4 October 2021 after United Kingdom also put the same restrictions on travellers from India by not recognizing India's vaccine certificate.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=1 October 2021|title=India makes 10-day quarantine must for all UK travellers, despite vaccination|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-makes-10-day-quarantine-mandatory-for-all-uk-travellers-101633089737609.html|access-date=1 October 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> On 8 October the United Kingdom opened up the restrictions on travelers from 47 countries and locations including India.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=7 October 2021|editor-last=Banerjea|editor-first=Aparna|title=UK to ease travel rules for fully-vaccinated Indians from Monday: Details here|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/uk-to-ease-travel-rules-for-fully-vaccinated-indians-from-monday-details-here-11633625490712.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 October 2021|website=Livemint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007171137/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/uk-to-ease-travel-rules-for-fully-vaccinated-indians-from-monday-details-here-11633625490712.html |archive-date=7 October 2021 }}</ref>

=== 2022 ===
By March, India had just 22,487 cases across the country. With 58.8% population fully vaccinated and 70% having received at least one dose opening up post-pandemic has been steady. Buoyed by the success of its vaccination program among senior citizens, adults, and adolescents, the vaccination program is now inoculating children in the 12-15 age group. Further, the central government has urged state governments to end all COVID curbs except masks and social distancing. International flights were resumed on 27 March after a gap of two years.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |date=2022-03-24 |title=How is India Managing COVID-19 in 2022? Policies and Best Practices |url=https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-covid-19-vaccine-program-best-practice-employers-2022-23998.html/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=India Briefing News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |last=Livemint |date=2022-03-27 |title=After 2 yrs, India resumes regular overseas flights today. Check latest rules |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/after-2-years-india-resumes-regular-international-flights-today-check-latest-travel-guidelines-11648339087277.html |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2023 ===
On 22 March 2023, Prime Minister Modi held a high-level meeting to discuss the nation's preparedness for a new wave of infections, potentially driven by the newly detected SARS-CoV-2 strain, XBB.1.16. Active cases had reached a 5-month high as of 23 March and came amid an ongoing [[Influenza A virus subtype H3N2|H3N2 influenza]] outbreak, prompting officials to determine the readiness of the healthcare system and its logistical needs.<ref name="March 2023 surge">{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Verma |first1=Mimansa |title=India is on alert as covid-19 cases hit a five-month high |url=https://qz.com/a-new-variant-is-fuelling-the-covid-19-surge-in-india-1850255733 |access-date=25 March 2023 |publisher=Quartz |date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325032056/https://qz.com/a-new-variant-is-fuelling-the-covid-19-surge-in-india-1850255733 |archive-date=25 March 2023}}</ref><ref name="Times of India 2023 surge">{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Amid Covid-19 rise, 349 samples of infectious new variant XBB1.16 found in India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amid-covid-19-rise-349-samples-of-infectious-new-variant-xbb1-16-found-in-india/articleshow/98939705.cms |access-date=25 March 2023 |publisher=Times of India |date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325032859/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amid-covid-19-rise-349-samples-of-infectious-new-variant-xbb1-16-found-in-india/articleshow/98939705.cms |archive-date=25 March 2023}}</ref> In response to the rising number of cases, some hospitals reopened Covid wards that had previously been shuttered following a yearlong lull in infections.<ref name="reopened wards">{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=As cases rise, hospitals in Mumbai reopen Covid wards |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/as-cases-rise-hospitals-in-mumbai-reopen-covid-wards/articleshow/99017550.cms |access-date=27 March 2023 |publisher=Times of India |date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327181501/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/as-cases-rise-hospitals-in-mumbai-reopen-covid-wards/articleshow/99017550.cms |archive-date=27 March 2023}}</ref>

In August, a new subvariant of Omicron, named Eris was detected in the state of Maharashtra with cases increasing in a few cities.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=2023-08-09 |title=Covid cases showing signs of increase in Maharashtra; new Omicron subvariant Eris detected |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/new-omicron-sub-strain-eg-5-1-detected-in-maha/articleshow/102515446.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-08-10 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

While in December, the JN.1 variant, believed to be a descendant of Omicron subvariant known as [[BA.2.86]] or Pirola, arrived in the southern state Kerala with an RT-PCR-positive sample from Karakulam in Thiruvananthapuram district.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |title=Covid Variant JN.1 Detected In Kerala: All You Need To Know About The Infection |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/covid-variant-jn-1-detected-in-kerala-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-infection-4689628 |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

== Response ==
{{Main|Indian government response to the COVID-19 pandemic|Indian state government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic}}
{{see also|Template:COVID-19 testing by country}}

=== Health care and testing ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="float:right; clear:right;"
|+
COVID-19 Dashboard
!Total samples tested<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi|url=https://www.icmr.gov.in/|access-date=18 February 2021|website=icmr.gov.in}}</ref>
<!---DO NOT USE WIKIDATA, IT BREAKS THE PAGE BECAUSE OF MEMORY ISSUES--->
| style="text-align:right;" |68,24,28,595
|-
!Total positive cases
| style="text-align:right;" |3,36,78,786
|-
!New samples tested
| style="text-align:right;" |11,54,302
|-
!New Positive cases
| style="text-align:right;" |26,248
|-
!New Positivity Rate
| style="text-align:right;" |2.5%
|-
!Total active cases
| style="text-align:right;" |171,830
|-
!Total deaths
| style="text-align:right;" |4,82,017
|-
!Total recovered cases
| style="text-align:right;" |3,43,06,414
|-
!Total Doses administered<ref name=":cowin">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=7 July 2021|title=COWIN|url=https://dashboard.cowin.gov.in/|url-status=live|website=COWIN Vaccine Dashboard, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209025147/https://dashboard.cowin.gov.in/ |archive-date=9 February 2021 }} (The data on this site changes daily)</ref>
|1,46,70,18,464
|-
!People vaccinated 1st dose<ref name="MoHFW-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=MoHFW {{!}} Home|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/|access-date=18 February 2021|website=www.mohfw.gov.in}}</ref>
| style="text-align:right;" |86,12,38,061
|-
!People vaccinated 2nd dose
| style="text-align:right;" |61,63,65,612
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |As of 5 January 2022<ref name="MyGov.in-2020" />
|}
[[File:Coronavirus Do's & Don'ts by Indian MoHFW.pdf|thumb|Do's & Don'ts of COVID-19 released by the [[Government of India]]]]
[[File:A passenger being tested for Covid-19 at the New Delhi railway station during second wave of the pandemic IMG 20210525 120351 03.jpg|thumb|A passenger being tested for COVID-19 at the New Delhi railway station during the second wave of the pandemic]]
The [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|Union Health Ministry]]'s war room and policy making team in New Delhi decide how coronavirus should be tackled in the country, and consists of the ministry's Emergency Medical Response Unit, the [[Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme|Central Surveillance Unit (IDSP)]], the [[National Centre for Disease Control]] (NCDC) and experts from three government hospitals among others.<ref name=":0a">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/coronavirus-war-room-india-in-mission-mode/story-NHYzzcrmFUDg19lPUSbjVM.html|title=How conference hall at health ministry emerged as coronavirus-control war-room|last1=Sharma|first1=Sanchita|date=5 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307150726/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/coronavirus-war-room-india-in-mission-mode/story-NHYzzcrmFUDg19lPUSbjVM.html|archive-date=7 March 2020|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> In March 2020, India's strategy was focused on cluster-containment, similar to how India contained previous epidemics, as well as "breaking the chain of transmission".<ref name=":0a" /><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=13 March 2020|title=Delhi declares coronavirus as epidemic as India reports first death from infection|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/13/delhi-declares-coronavirus-as-epidemic-as-india-reports-first-death-from-infection.html|url-status=live|access-date=13 March 2020|website=The Week|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317105222/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/13/delhi-declares-coronavirus-as-epidemic-as-india-reports-first-death-from-infection.html |archive-date=17 March 2020 }}</ref> [[Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories#Labs|52 labs]] were named capable of virus testing by 13 March.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=13 March 2020|title=Coronavirus test in India: Complete list of testing sites for coronavirus in India|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/52-testing-sites-for-coronavirus-in-india/articleshow/74547684.cms|access-date=11 November 2020}}</ref>

On 14 March 2020, scientists at the [[National Institute of Virology]] (NIV) isolated a strain of the novel coronavirus. India was the fifth country to successfully obtain a pure sample of the virus;<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Jha|first1=Durgesh Nandan|date=14 March 2020|title=Coronavirus cases in India: Fewer cases, but India becomes 5th country to isolate coronavirus|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fewer-cases-but-india-becomes-5th-country-to-isolate-coronavirus/articleshow/74620323.cms|url-status=live|access-date=14 March 2020|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314093934/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/fewer-cases-but-india-becomes-5th-country-to-isolate-coronavirus/articleshow/74620323.cms |archive-date=14 March 2020 }}</ref> isolation of the virus would help towards expediting the development of drugs, vaccines and rapid diagnostic kits in the country.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-india-becomes-5th-country-globally-to-isolate-virus-strain-11584102221498.html|title=India becomes fifth country to isolate Covid-19 virus strain|last1=Sharma|first1=Neetu Chandra|date=13 March 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref> NIV shared two SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences with [[GISAID]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Prasad|first1=R.|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/coronavirus-india-shares-two-sars-cov-2-genome-sequences/article31007227.ece|title=Coronavirus {{!}} India shares two SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences|date=7 March 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=7 March 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307064132/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/coronavirus-india-shares-two-sars-cov-2-genome-sequences/article31007227.ece|archive-date=7 March 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In May, the NIV introduced another test kit for rapid testing.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=10 May 2020|title=National Institute of Virology develops 1st indigenous Elisa test kit for Covid-19: Harsh Vardhan|newspaper=The Times of India|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/national-institute-of-virology-develops-1st-indigenous-antibody-detection-kit-for-covid-19-harsh-vardhan/articleshow/75660768.cms|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref>

==== Initial testing ====

[[File:COBAS 6800 testing machine at NCDC, Delhi May 14, 2020.jpg|thumb|A testing facility at the [[National Centre for Disease Control]] in Delhi]]
Initially, the labs tested samples only from those with a travel history to 12 countries designated as high-risk, or those who had come in contact with anyone testing positive for the coronavirus, or showing symptoms as per the government guidelines.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Kaul|first=Rhythma|date=15 March 2020|title=India needs a more aggressive testing regimen for coronavirus: Experts|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/testing-must-be-done-on-war-footing/story-4gI2HWQ2WLhVLFOm5rsioM.html|url-status=live|access-date=15 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314225716/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/testing-must-be-done-on-war-footing/story-4gI2HWQ2WLhVLFOm5rsioM.html |archive-date=14 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Krishnan-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Krishnan|first1=Vidya|date=13 March 2020|title=Public-health experts raise concerns about India's restricted testing for COVID-19|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/health/public-health-experts-raise-concerns-about-india-restricted-testing-covid-19|url-status=live|access-date=15 March 2020|website=The Caravan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317181951/https://caravanmagazine.in/health/public-health-experts-raise-concerns-about-india-restricted-testing-covid-19 |archive-date=17 March 2020 }}</ref> On 20 March 2020, the government decided to also include all pneumonia cases, regardless of travel or contact history.<ref name="Ghosh-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ghosh|first=Abantika|date=21 March 2020|title=Covid-19 testing in India extended to all pneumonia cases: Govt|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/covid-19-india-test-coronavirus-pneumonia-6324733/|url-status=live|access-date=21 March 2020|website=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320232507/https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/covid-19-india-test-coronavirus-pneumonia-6324733/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="ANINews-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=15 March 2020|title=First and second confirmatory tests for COVID-19 are free: Sanjeeva Kumar|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/first-and-second-confirmatory-tests-for-covid-19-are-free-sanjeeva-kumar20200315173303/|url-status=live|access-date=18 March 2020|website=ANI News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318081044/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/first-and-second-confirmatory-tests-for-covid-19-are-free-sanjeeva-kumar20200315173303/ |archive-date=18 March 2020 }}</ref> On 9 April, [[ICMR]] further revised the testing strategy and allowed testing of the people showing symptoms for a week in the hotspot areas of the country, regardless of travel history or local contact to a patient.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Gunasekar|first=Arvind|date=9 April 2020|editor-last=Sanyal|editor-first=Anindita|title=Coronavirus Testing Strategy Revised in India, Ambit Widened|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-testing-strategy-revised-in-india-ambit-widened-2209126|url-status=live|access-date=10 April 2020|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409183039/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-testing-strategy-revised-in-india-ambit-widened-2209126 |archive-date=9 April 2020 }}</ref> While the health ministry claimed enough tests were being performed,<ref name="ANINews-2020" /> experts disagreed, saying that [[Transmission (medicine)|community transmission]] may go undetected.<ref name="Scroll.in-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=14 March 2020|title=Is India testing enough for coronavirus cases?|url=https://scroll.in/pulse/956110/is-india-testing-enough-for-coronavirus-cases|url-status=live|access-date=15 March 2020|website=Scroll.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314172404/https://scroll.in/pulse/956110/is-india-testing-enough-for-coronavirus-cases |archive-date=14 March 2020 }}</ref>

==== Expansion of tests ====
On 17 March 2020, the health ministry decided to allow [[National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories|accredited]] private pathology labs to test for COVID-19.<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/accredited-private-labs-to-be-allowed-to-test-for-covid-19/articleshow/74664414.cms|title=Coronavirus testing lab: Accredited private labs to be allowed to test for Covid-19|last1=Jha|first1=Durgesh Nandan|date=17 March 2020|website=The Times of India|access-date=17 March 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Porecha|first=Maitri|date=17 March 2020|title=Metropolis among private labs short-listed for coronavirus testing|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/metropolis-among-private-labs-short-listed-for-coronavirus-testing/article31090208.ece|url-status=live|website=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317152431/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/metropolis-among-private-labs-short-listed-for-coronavirus-testing/article31090208.ece |archive-date=17 March 2020 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=18 March 2020|agency=PTI|title=Roche Diagnostics India first private firm to get COVID-19 test approval|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/roche-diagnostics-india-first-private-firm-to-get-covid-19-test-approval-1656965-2020-03-18|access-date=29 May 2021|magazine=India Today}}</ref> A person could get a COVID-19 test at a private lab after a qualified physician in a government facility recommended it.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ray|first=Kalyan|date=17 March 2020|title=Health Ministry to allow accredited private labs to conduct tests for coronavirus|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/health-ministry-to-allow-accredited-private-labs-to-conduct-tests-for-coronavirus-814595.html|url-status=live|access-date=29 May 2021|website=Deccan Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317202848/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/health-ministry-to-allow-accredited-private-labs-to-conduct-tests-for-coronavirus-814595.html |archive-date=17 March 2020 }}</ref> Experts said this increased testing may ultimately result in a correction of the current under-counting and an increase in confirmed cases.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=19 March 2020|first=Sanjay |last=Ganguly |title=India must prepare for a tsunami of cases|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-india-51962813/india-must-prepare-for-a-tsunami-of-coronavirus-cases|url-status=live|access-date=20 March 2020|work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319152037/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-india-51962813/india-must-prepare-for-a-tsunami-of-coronavirus-cases |archive-date=19 March 2020 }}</ref>

111 additional labs for testing became functional on 21 March.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=21 March 2020|title=111 labs for testing coronavirus will be functional across India from today: Health Ministry|work=India Today|agency=ANI|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/111-labs-for-testing-coronavirus-will-be-functional-across-india-from-today-health-ministry-1658235-2020-03-21|access-date=29 May 2021}}</ref> On 24 March, [[Mylab Discovery Solutions]] became the first Indian company to have received regulatory validation for its [[Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction|RT-PCR]] tests.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Rajagopal|first=Divya|agency=PTI|date=24 March 2020|title=Pune based Mylab becomes first Indian company to get Covid-19 test kits validated|newspaper=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/pune-based-mylab-becomes-first-indian-co-to-get-its-covid-19-test-kits-validated/articleshow/74785575.cms|access-date=29 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Soni|first=Preeti|date=24 March 2020|title=India can double coronavirus test kits to 200,000 in a week, thanks to Pune-based Mylabs|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-can-double-coronavirus-test-kits-to-200000-in-a-week-thanks-to-pune-based-mylabs/articleshow/74787231.cms|url-status=live|access-date=29 May 2021|website=Business Standard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324111555/https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-can-double-coronavirus-test-kits-to-200000-in-a-week-thanks-to-pune-based-mylabs/articleshow/74787231.cms |archive-date=24 March 2020 }}</ref> In April, [[Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology]], Delhi had developed a low cost paper-strip test that could detect COVID-19 within an hour. Each test would cost {{INRConvert|500.00||lk=|year=2020}}.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Srishti|last1=Choudhury|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-s-first-paper-strip-test-for-covid-19-csir-lab-makes-a-breakthrough-11585832200999.html|title=India's first paper-strip test for Covid-19, CSIR lab makes a breakthrough|date=2 April 2020|access-date=5 April 2020|publisher=LiveMint}}</ref> On 13 April, ICMR advised pool testing in low infection areas to increase the capacity of the testing and save resources. In this process maximum five samples are tested at once and samples are tested individually only if a pool tests positive.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Chanda|first1=Himani|date=13 April 2020|title=ICMR advises 'pool testing' in low-infection areas to increase number of Covid-19 tests|url=https://theprint.in/health/icmr-advises-pool-testing-in-low-infection-areas-to-increase-number-of-covid-19-tests/401032/|url-status=live|access-date=15 April 2020|website=ThePrint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414020843/https://theprint.in/health/icmr-advises-pool-testing-in-low-infection-areas-to-increase-number-of-covid-19-tests/401032/ |archive-date=14 April 2020 }}</ref> Faulty test kits from China were subsequently returned and future orders cancelled.<ref name="ChinaRNAex">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=16 April 2020|title=China dispatches 6.5 lakh medical kits to India to fight coronavirus|website=India Today|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/china-dispatches-6-5-lakh-medical-kits-to-india-to-fight-coronavirus-1667488-2020-04-16|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Singh|first1=Shiv Sahay|date=20 April 2020|title=NICED admits testing kits have problem in West Bengal|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/niced-admits-testing-kits-have-problem-in-bengal/article31387044.ece|access-date=21 April 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="BBCNews-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=28 April 2020|title=Coronavirus: India cancels order for 'faulty' China rapid test kits|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52451455|access-date=28 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="Porecha-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Porecha|first1=Maitri|date=27 April 2020|title=States asked to return faulty Chinese kits|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/states-asked-to-return-faulty-chinese-kits/article31447725.ece|url-status=live|access-date=28 April 2020|website=The Hindu @businessline|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502162522/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/states-asked-to-return-faulty-chinese-kits/article31447725.ece |archive-date=2 May 2020 }}</ref>

By 9 July 2020, 1132 testing labs were functional. Following testing shortages, non-accredited private laboratories applying for accreditation were also given permission to test for coronavirus.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Dutta|first=Sumi Sukanya|date=9 July 2020|title=ICMR allows non-accredited private labs to carry out Covid-19 tests|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jul/09/icmr-allows-non-accredited-private-labs-to-carry-out-covid-19-tests-2167594.html|url-status=live|access-date=9 June 2021|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805053431/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jul/09/icmr-allows-non-accredited-private-labs-to-carry-out-covid-19-tests-2167594.html |archive-date=5 August 2020 }}</ref> In September 2020, India had attained the highest number of daily tests in the world.<ref name="SabbarwalHT">{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Harshit Sabbarwal|date=3 September 2020|title=India's Covid-19 tests per day highest in the world, says health ministry|newspaper=Hindustan Times|location=New Delhi|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-covid-19-tests-per-day-highest-in-the-world-says-health-ministry/story-eip0z18Jico71uQFIoODAJ.html|access-date=19 October 2020}}</ref> By 5 May 2021, 2506 testing labs (government and private) were functional and the total daily national testing capacity reached 1,500,000 tests.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |agency=Press Trust of India|date=5 May 2021|title=India's COVID-19 crisis: ICMR revises RT-PCR testing guidelines to reduce pressure on diagnostic labs|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/indias-covid-19-crisis-icmr-revises-rt-pcr-testing-guidelines-to-reduce-pressure-on-diagnostic-labs-9593001.html|url-status=live|access-date=9 June 2021|work=Firstpost|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505033537/https://www.firstpost.com/india/indias-covid-19-crisis-icmr-revises-rt-pcr-testing-guidelines-to-reduce-pressure-on-diagnostic-labs-9593001.html |archive-date=5 May 2021 }}</ref>

==== Testing community transmission ====
Testing for community transmission began on 15 March 2020. 65 government laboratories started testing random samples of people who exhibit flu-like symptoms and samples from patients without any travel history or contact with infected persons.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Patel|first=Shivam|date=14 March 2020|title=ICMR to test for community transmission of Covid-19|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19-6313521/|url-status=live|access-date=17 March 2020|website=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314000131/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19-6313521/ |archive-date=14 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Thacker|first1=Teena|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/will-know-if-indias-going-through-community-transmission-icmr/articleshow/74663239.cms|title=Will know if India is going through community transmission of Covid-19: ICMR|date=17 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=17 March 2020}}</ref> As of 18 March, no evidence of community transmission was found after results of 500 random samples tested negative.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-still-in-phase-2-of-coronavirus-outbreak-confirms-icmr/articleshow/74673951.cms|title=Covid-19 outbreak: No evidence of community transmission, says ICMR|date=18 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=18 March 2020}}</ref> Between 15 February and 2 April, 5,911 SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses) patients were tested throughout the country of which, 104 tested positive (1.8%) in 20 states and union territories. About 40% of the identified patients did not have a travel history or any history of contact with a positive patient.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Sharma|first1=Milan|date=10 April 2020|title=Coronavirus: Second ICMR report on random sampling test results shows possible community transmission|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-india-second-icmr-report-random-sampling-test-results-shows-possible-community-transmission-1665290-2020-04-10|url-status=live|access-date=13 April 2020|website=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410051516/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-india-second-icmr-report-random-sampling-test-results-shows-possible-community-transmission-1665290-2020-04-10 |archive-date=10 April 2020 }}</ref> The ICMR advised to prioritise containment in the 36 districts of 15 states which had reported positive cases among SARI patients.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=10 April 2020|title=ICMR suggests containment in 36 districts after many with respiratory infection test Covid-19 positive|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/icmr-suggests-containment-36-districts-after-many-with-respiratory-infection-test-covid19-positive-1665278-2020-04-10|url-status=live|access-date=13 April 2020|magazine=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412122121/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/icmr-suggests-containment-36-districts-after-many-with-respiratory-infection-test-covid19-positive-1665278-2020-04-10 |archive-date=12 April 2020 }}</ref>

In April 2020 WHO placed India in the community transmission stage however in June moved India to clusters of cases.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Shankar|first1=Abhishek|last2=Saini|first2=Deepak|date=25 August 2020|editor-last=Dasson|editor-first=Bharvi|title=Centre's Stand on Community Transmission Amid Rising Covid-19 Cases Raises Planning Concerns|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/centres-stand-on-community-transmission-amid-rising-covid-19-cases-raises-planning-concerns-2816721.html|url-status=live|access-date=12 June 2021|website=News18|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125082048/https://www.news18.com/news/india/centres-stand-on-community-transmission-amid-rising-covid-19-cases-raises-planning-concerns-2816721.html |archive-date=25 November 2020 }}</ref> In October 2020, the health minister admitted to community transmission limited to some states and districts.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sharma|first=Neetu Chandra|date=19 October 2020|title=India is in throes of community transmission, admits Vardhan|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-is-in-throes-of-community-transmission-admits-vardhan-11603072987749.html|access-date=12 June 2021|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> Until May 2021, India insisted that clusters of cases remained, and there was no nationwide community transmission.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=|first=|date=14 May 2021|title=Despite record number of Covid cases, India continues to avoid community transmission tag|url=https://scroll.in/latest/994879/despite-record-number-of-covid-cases-india-continues-to-avoid-community-transmission-tag|url-status=live|access-date=12 June 2021|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514050927/https://scroll.in/latest/994879/despite-record-number-of-covid-cases-india-continues-to-avoid-community-transmission-tag |archive-date=14 May 2021 }}</ref>

==== Daily samples tested ====
{{Image frame
|width=750
|caption=
|align=
|content={{#chart:COVID-19 India - Daily samples tested.chart}} '''[[:c:data:COVID-19 India - Daily samples tested.tab|Data]]'''
}}

==== Research and treatment ====
[[File:The Member (Health), NITI Aayog Dr. Vinod K. Paul along with the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Shri Rajesh Bhushan and other officials are addressing a press conference on COVID-19, in New Delhi on October 13, 2020.jpg|thumb|NITI Aayog health member Vinod K. Paul, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, [[Rajesh Bhushan]], and other officials, addressing a press conference on COVID-19, in New Delhi on 13 October 2020.]]
On 23 March, the National Task Force for COVID-19 constituted by the ICMR recommended the use of [[hydroxychloroquine]] for the treatment of high-risk cases.<ref>[https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/AdvisoryontheuseofHydroxychloroquinasprophylaxisforSARSCoV2infection.pdf Advisory on the use of hydroxy-chloroquine as prophylaxis for SARS-CoV-2 infection]. (PDF) National Task Force for COVID-19, Indian Council of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 22 March 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210114163757/https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/AdvisoryontheuseofHydroxychloroquinasprophylaxisforSARSCoV2infection.pdf Archived] (PDF) on 14 January 2021.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Acharjee|first=Sonali|date=24 March 2020|title=Covid-19: The bitter truth about using hydroxychloroquine as a preventive drug|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/covid-19-the-bitter-truth-about-using-hydroxychloroquine-as-a-preventive-drug-1659116-2020-03-24|url-status=live|access-date=29 May 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324152641/https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/covid-19-the-bitter-truth-about-using-hydroxychloroquine-as-a-preventive-drug-1659116-2020-03-24 |archive-date=24 March 2020 }}</ref> In the same month, the [[Indian Institute of Chemical Technology]], the [[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research]] (CSIR) and [[Cipla]] launched a joint venture to develop anti-COVID-19 drugs.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=18 March 2020|title=Health: CSIR-IICT ties up with Cipla to develop anti-COVID-19 drug|newspaper=The Economic Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pharma/csir-iict-ties-up-with-cipla-to-develop-anti-covid-19-drug/74693465|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=5 August 2020|agency=PTI|title=Cipla confirms collaboration with CSIR, IICT, ICMR to develop COVID-19 treatment-Health News, Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/health/cipla-confirms-collaboration-with-csir-iict-icmr-to-develop-covid-19-treatment-8675981.html|url-status=live|access-date=29 May 2021|work=Firstpost|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805174206/https://www.firstpost.com/health/cipla-confirms-collaboration-with-csir-iict-icmr-to-develop-covid-19-treatment-8675981.html |archive-date=5 August 2020 }}</ref> In April, funds for a number of preventive agents were released to initiate research.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Indian Ministry of Science and Technology|title=DST approves funding for developing a gel for nasal passage as prevention for COVID 19|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1612161|publisher=Press Information bureau|date=8 April 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Indian Ministry of Science and Technology|title=SCTIMST scientists design super absorbent material for safe management of infected respiratory secretions|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1612412|publisher=Press Information bureau|date=9 April 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> The [[Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology]] started working on [[genome sequencing]] of COVID-19 in early 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Ramesh|first1=M|date=26 March 2020|title=CSIR lab working on genome sequencing of Covid-19|work=Business Line|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/csir-lab-working-on-genome-sequencing-of-covid-19/article31175131.ece|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

India was estimated to have approximately 40,000 ventilators in March 2020, of which 8,432 were with the public sector.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Chandna|first1=Himani|date=27 March 2020|title=India has 40,000 ventilators but could need many, many more in 'worst-case scenario'|url=https://theprint.in/health/india-has-40000-ventilators-but-could-need-many-many-more-in-worst-case-scenario/388874/|url-status=live|access-date=15 April 2020|website=ThePrint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327200829/https://theprint.in/health/india-has-40000-ventilators-but-could-need-many-many-more-in-worst-case-scenario/388874/ |archive-date=27 March 2020 }}</ref> The government aimed to double the capacity of ventilators by June 2020,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=28 March 2020|title=India to double number of ventilators by making 40,000 units: Reports|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2020/03/28/india-to-double-number-of-ventilators-by-making-40000-units-reports.html|url-status=live|access-date=15 April 2020|website=The Week|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328200416/https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2020/03/28/india-to-double-number-of-ventilators-by-making-40000-units-reports.html |archive-date=28 March 2020 }}</ref> with the assistance from Indian [[Public Sector Undertaking|PSUs]], firms and startups, including [[Bharat Electronics]], [[DRDO]] and [[ISRO]].<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Nikita|last1=Prasad|title=Kudos! Indian Railways manufactures low-cost ventilator prototype for COVID-19 patients in a week's time|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/kudos-indian-railways-manufactures-low-cost-ventilator-prototype-for-covid-19-patients-in-a-weeks-time/1919953/|work=The Financial Express|date=6 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Sharmishte|last1=Datti|title=ISRO Puts Rockets, Satellites On Hold To Develop Ventilators For Coronavirus|url=https://www.gizbot.com/news/coronavirus-effect-isro-shifts-focus-to-ventilators-066694.html|publisher=GizBot|date=31 March 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Manu|last1=Pubby|title=Low cost, high volume products being developed; DRDO chief says scientists rising to the occasion|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/local-defence-technology-helps-fight-covid-19/articleshow/74958610.cms|work=The Economic Times|date=4 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Archana|last1=Shukla|title=Bengaluru-based Skanray aims to make 1 lakh ventilators, opens up design IP|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/healthcare/bengaluru-based-skanray-aims-to-make-1-lakh-ventilators-opens-up-design-ip-5540741.htm|publisher=CNBC TV18|date=23 March 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> This led to the creation of some of the world's smallest and cheapest ventilators.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Jha|first1=Kundan|date=11 April 2020|title=India using innovation as arsenal to fight coronavirus|work=The Sunday Guardian|url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/business/india-using-innovation-arsenal-fight-coronavirus|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Production lines were repurposed to manufacture general [[Personal protective equipment]], full body suits and ventilators; India was producing around 200,000 PPE kits and 250,000 [[N95 masks]] per day in May 2020, compared to virtually zero shortly before.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=5 May 2020|title=From zero, India now produces around 2 lakh PPE kits per day|newspaper=The Times of India|agency=ANI|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/from-zero-india-now-produces-around-2-lakh-ppe-kits-per-day/articleshow/75556879.cms|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref>

Several states were allowed by ICMR and [[Drugs Controller General of India]] (DCGI) to start clinical trials of convalescent plasma therapy and [[Plasmapheresis|plasma exchange therapy]].<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://theprint.in/health/icmr-plans-plasma-therapy-clinical-trials-in-2-weeks-to-treat-critical-covid-19-cases/401612/|title=ICMR plans plasma therapy clinical trials in 2 weeks to treat critical Covid-19 cases|last1=Yadavar|first1=Swagata|date=15 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=24 April 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/icmr-gets-nod-for-clinical-trial-of-convalescent-plasma-for-covid-19-treatment/article31372977.ece|title=ICMR gets nod for clinical trial of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 treatment|date=18 April 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=24 April 2020|issn=0971-751X}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/karnataka-gets-centre-s-nod-to-start-plasma-therapy-to-treat-covid-19-patients-11587468758875.html|title=Karnataka gets Centre's nod to start plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients|date=21 April 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=24 April 2020}}</ref> Initial optimism around plasma therapy,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Plasma Therapy For COVID-19 Works in Delhi, 49-year-old Recovers|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/plasma-therapy-for-covid-19-works-in-delhi-49-year-old-recovers-2215191|last1=Dwivedi|first1=Sukirti|date=20 April 2020|publisher=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/plasma-therapy-shows-positive-results-on-covid-19-patients-says-arvind-kejriwal-11587712477476.html|title=Plasma therapy shows positive results on COVID-19 patients, says Kejriwal|date=24 April 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=24 April 2020}}</ref> resulted in ICMR stating that there is no robust evidence to support convalescent plasma therapy as a routine therapy, describing it is as an emerging and experimental therapy.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=No approved, definitive therapies for COVID-19; convalescent plasma one of several emerging therapies: ICMR|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/no-approved-definitive-therapies-for-covid-19-convalescent-plasma-one-of-several-emerging-therapies-icmr20200428200515/|access-date=28 April 2020|website=ANI News}}</ref> Convalescent plasma therapy was dropped form the COVID-19 treatment protocol by ICMR in mid May 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=18 May 2021|title=ICMR Removes 'Plasma Therapy' From COVID-19 Management Protocols|url=https://science.thewire.in/health/icmr-removes-plasma-therapy-from-covid-19-management-protocols/|url-status=live|access-date=27 May 2021|website=The Wire Science|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518053006/https://science.thewire.in/health/icmr-removes-plasma-therapy-from-covid-19-management-protocols/ |archive-date=18 May 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=17 May 2021|title=ICMR drops plasma therapy from COVID-19 treatment guidelines|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/icmr-drops-plasma-therapy-from-covid-19-treatment-guidelines/article34582184.ece|access-date=27 May 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

In June 2020, India approved the [[COVID-19 drug repurposing research|repurposing]] of generic versions of the antiviral medication [[favipiravir]] for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms by [[Glenmark Pharmaceuticals|Glenmark]], [[Cipla]] and the [[Indian Institute of Chemical Technology]] and [[Lupin Limited]].<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=20 June 2020|title=Glenmark's FabiFlu approved for coronavirus treatment in India, costs Rs 103 per tablet|language=en|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-treatment-drug-glenmark-fabiflu-favipiravir-launch-india-rs-103-per-tablet-reduce-viral-load-1691066-2020-06-20|access-date=30 June 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Leo|first=Leroy|date=24 July 2020|title=Cipla to launch favipiravir under Ciplenza in August at 68 rupees per pill|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/cipla-to-launch-favipiravir-under-ciplenza-in-august-at-68-rupees-per-pill-11595600589580.html|access-date=4 August 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=5 August 2020|title=Lupin launches Covid-19 drug Favipiravir in India at Rs 49 per tablet|newspaper=The Times of India|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/business/india-business/lupin-launches-covid-19-drug-favipiravir-in-india-at-rs-49-per-tablet/articleshow/77366492.cms|access-date=5 August 2020}}</ref> In July 2020, the Indian firm [[Biocon]] received emergency authorisation for the use of the repurposed drug [[Itolizumab]] in treatments for [[chronic plaque psoriasis]], one of the symptoms of the disease.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Leo|first=Leroy|date=11 July 2020|title=Biocon Biologics' itolizumab gets DCGI nod for emergency use to treat covid-19|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/biocon-biologics-itolizumab-gets-dcgi-nod-for-emergency-use-to-treat-covid-19-11594453139828.html|url-status=live|access-date=28 April 2021|website=Livemint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711164513/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/biocon-biologics-itolizumab-gets-dcgi-nod-for-emergency-use-to-treat-covid-19-11594453139828.html |archive-date=11 July 2020 }}</ref>

On 23 April 2021, [[Cadila Healthcare]] received an emergency authorisation to repurpose [[Peginterferon alfa-2b]], a medication used to treat [[hepatitis C]], as a treatment for moderate COVID-19 in adults.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=23 April 2021|title=India's Cadila gets approval to repurpose Hepatitis C drug for Covid-19|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-cadila-gets-approval-to-repurpose-hepatitis-c-drug-for-covid19-101619171912735.html|access-date=24 April 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> On 8 May 2021, DCGI gave permission for emergency use of the drug ''[[2-Deoxy-D-glucose]]'' developed by [[Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]] in collaboration with [[Dr. Reddy's Laboratories]] as an ''adjunct or alternative therapy'' for treating moderate to severe cases of COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=8 May 2021|title=Easy to produce, easier to consume: DRDO's 2-DG drug for treatment of Covid patients {{!}} FAQs|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/drdo-2dg-corona-drug-medicine-approved-emergency-use-covid-patients-how-made-consumed-1800348-2021-05-08|url-status=live|access-date=13 May 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508181755/https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/drdo-2dg-corona-drug-medicine-approved-emergency-use-covid-patients-how-made-consumed-1800348-2021-05-08 |archive-date=8 May 2021 }}</ref>

By April 2021, the latest treatment guidelines mirrored those of the WHO and the United States with the important exception that, in India, mildly ill patients were allowed to be given Hydroxychloroquine or Ivermectin.<ref name="Associated Press" /> This potential off-label prescription seems to have taken off in some parts of India: Kavery Nambisan, an Indian surgeon, said that a doctor in Kandivali, Mumbai, has treated thousands of patients with ivermectin.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=How to prevent a third wave of Covid-19 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2021/jun/30/how-to-prevent-a-third-wave-of-covid-19-2323222.html |work=The New Indian Express|date=5 July 2021 }}</ref> In January 2023, hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin were not recommended anymore at all in the national clinical guidance for management of adult covid-19 patients.<ref name="MoHFW-2023">{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Clinical Management |url=https://covid19dashboard.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ClinicalGuidanceforManagementofAdultCOVID19Patientsupdatedason05thjan2023.pdf |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.mohfw.gov.in}}</ref>

==== Vaccine development and production ====
The Indian government infused {{INRConvert|900|c|lk=on|year=2020}} into the [[Department of Biotechnology]] in November 2020 to aid the development of a COVID vaccine.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=29 November 2020|title=Government Launches Mission COVID Suraksha to accelerate Indian COVID-19 Vaccine Development|url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1676998 |access-date=5 June 2021|website=pib.gov.in|publisher=Ministry of Science & Technology}}</ref> The [[2021 Union budget of India|2021 budget of India]] also allocated {{INRConvert|35000|c|lk=on|year=2020}} for vaccine procurement.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sarda|first=Kanu|date=3 June 2021|title=Explain how Rs 35,000 crore budget marked for procuring vaccines is being used: SC tells Centre|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jun/03/explain-how-rs-35000-crore-budget-marked-for-procuring-vaccines-is-being-used-sc-tells-centre-2311049.html|url-status=live|access-date=5 June 2021|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603040452/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jun/03/explain-how-rs-35000-crore-budget-marked-for-procuring-vaccines-is-being-used-sc-tells-centre-2311049.html |archive-date=3 June 2021 }}</ref>

In January 2021, the [[Drugs Controller General of India|DCGI]] initially approved the [[Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine|Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine]], manufactured by the [[Serum Institute of India]] (SII) under the trade name "Covishield",<ref name="NYT India approves">{{#invoke:Cite|news |last1=Schmall |first1=Emily |last2=Yasir |first2=Sameer |date=3 January 2021 |title=India Approves Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine and 1 Other |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/03/world/asia/india-covid-19-vaccine.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/03/world/asia/india-covid-19-vaccine.html |archive-date=28 December 2021 |url-access=limited}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="BBC India approves">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=3 January 2021|title=Coronavirus: India approves vaccines from Bharat Biotech and Oxford/AstraZeneca|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55520658|access-date=5 June 2021}}</ref> and [[BBV152]] (Covaxin), a vaccine developed by [[Bharat Biotech]] in association with the [[Indian Council of Medical Research]] and [[National Institute of Virology]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=2 January 2021|title=Expert panel recommends Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for restricted emergency use|publisher=News18|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/expert-panel-clears-bharat-biotechs-covaxin-amid-uk-virus-strain-what-you-need-to-know-3240500.html|access-date=5 June 2021}}</ref>

The approval of Covaxin was met with some concern, as the vaccine had not then completed phase 3 trials.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |last=Prasad |first=R |date=15 January 2020 |title=Vaccine dilemma — to take or not to take Covaxin |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/vaccine-dilemma-to-take-or-not-to-take-covaxin/article33577223.ecel}}</ref> Due to this status, those receiving Covaxin were required to sign a consent form,<ref name="TH33587377">{{#invoke:Cite|news|first=Bindu Shajan|last=Perappadan|date=16 January 2020|title=Covaxin recipients asked to sign consent form on 'clinical trial mode'|newspaper=The Hindu|location=New Delhi|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-bharat-biotech-to-pay-compensation-if-covaxin-vaccine-causes-side-effects/article33587377.ece|access-date=5 June 2021}}</ref> while some states chose to relegate Covaxin to a "buffer stock" and primarily distribute the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine.<ref name="TH33577223">{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Prasad|first=R|date=15 January 2020|title=Vaccine dilemma — to take or not to take Covaxin|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/vaccine-dilemma-to-take-or-not-to-take-covaxin/article33577223.ece|access-date=5 June 2021}}</ref> Following the conclusion of its trial, the DCGI issued a standard emergency-use authorisation to Covaxin in March 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Leo|first=Leroy|date=11 March 2021|title=DCGI removes Covaxin out of 'clinical trial mode'|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/dcgi-removes-covaxin-out-of-clinical-trial-mode-11615473577621.html|access-date=13 May 2021|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> The slogan '<nowiki/>''Dawai Bhi, Kadai Bhi'<nowiki/>'' (trnsl; Vaccination and Precautions both are necessary) was used by the Indian Government.

In April 2021, the DCGI approved the Russian [[Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine|Sputnik V]] vaccine, which was trialled in India by [[Dr. Reddy's Laboratories]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Som|first=Vishnu|date=13 April 2021|title=On Sputnik V For India, Price Issues – AstraZeneca Price Too Low, Says Maker|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sputnik-v-cleared-but-price-isnt-big-sticking-point-2412574|url-status=live|access-date=28 May 2021|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413125319/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sputnik-v-cleared-but-price-isnt-big-sticking-point-2412574 |archive-date=13 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=16 September 2020|title=Russia's sovereign wealth fund partners with Dr Reddy's for trials and distribution of Sputnik V vaccine in India|language=en|work=Hindustan Times|editor-last=Saxena|editor-first=Sparshita|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/russia-s-sovereign-wealth-fund-partners-with-dr-reddy-s-for-trials-and-distribution-of-sputnik-v-vaccine-in-india/story-SPPpdsi7Bzd6mnA2rhZqRN.html|access-date=24 May 2021}}</ref> The initial shipment of 150 million Sputnik V doses arrived on 1 May, and began to be administered on 14 May.<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|citation|title=Watch: Russia's Sputnik V, 3rd Vaccine For India, Arrives In Hyderabad|date=1 May 201|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/russias-sputnik-v-3rd-vaccine-in-india-arrives-in-hyderabad-2425948|publisher=NDTV}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|citation|title=1.5 lakh doses of Sputnik V land in India|date=1 May 2021|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-gets-first-consignment-of-sputnik-v-vaccine-from-russia/article34458233.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|last1=Kumar|first1=N. Ravi}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Kumar|first=N. Ravi|date=14 May 2021|title=Sputnik roll out begins, to cost ₹995 per dose|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dr-reddy-administers-first-dose-of-sputnik-v-vaccine-in-india/article34555225.ece|access-date=15 May 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Domestic manufacturing of Sputnik V is expected to begin by August 2021, with doses imported from Russia being used in the meantime.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=On Sputnik V For India, Price Issues – AstraZeneca Price Too Low, Says Maker|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sputnik-v-cleared-but-price-isnt-big-sticking-point-2412574|access-date=28 May 2021|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name="toi-202105222">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 May 2021|title=Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine production in India to start in August|newspaper=The Times of India|location=New Delhi|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-production-in-india-to-start-in-august/articleshow/82854393.cms|access-date=25 May 2021}}</ref>

In May 2021, the DCGI approved phase 2 and 3 trials of Covaxin among children 2–18.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=13 May 2021|title=DCGI approves Covaxin clinical trials for children aged 2-18 years|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-dcgi-approves-covaxin-clinical-trials-for-children-aged-2-18-years-covid-19-vaccination-2890096|access-date=13 May 2021|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref>

In late-June 2021, after the DCGI removed a requirement that all COVID-19 vaccines must be trialed locally before approval (notwithstanding any approval and wide use in other major countries), the DCGI approved the Moderna vaccine for emergency use.<ref name="TimesofIndia-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=29 June 2021|title=India expands Covid vaccine kitty: Moderna gets regulatory nod; Pfizer approval likely soon|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-expands-vaccine-kitty-moderna-gets-regulatory-nod-pfizer-approval-likely-soon/articleshow/83953465.cms|url-status=live|access-date=29 June 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629121518/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-expands-vaccine-kitty-moderna-gets-regulatory-nod-pfizer-approval-likely-soon/articleshow/83953465.cms |archive-date=29 June 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Livemint" />

==== Vaccination policy and distribution ====
{{Multiple image
| image1 = COVID-19 vaccination roll out in AIIMS, New Delhi, India on 16 Jan 2021.jpg
| image2 = Frontline workers filling out COVID19 vaccination cards in Bihar.jpg
| direction = horizontal
| image3 = COVID-19 vaccination queue 01052021 (cropped).jpg
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| total_width = 360
| footer = {{bulleted list
 | Top left: A healthcare worker administering a COVID-19 vaccine dose in AIIMS New Delhi on 16 January 2021.
 | Top right: Frontline workers in Bihar filling COVID19 vaccination cards in May 2021.
| Bottom left:A COVID19 vaccination queue in Nagpur, Maharashtra on 1 May 2021.
| Bottom right: A vaccination center in Bhopal.
}}
| image4 = Vaccination drive for COVID prevention in Bhopal, India.jpg
}}
{{Main|COVID-19 vaccination in India}}
Administratively, India began preparing to vaccinate its population in April 2020 with the setting up a Vaccine Task Force.<ref name="VaccineTaskForce-2021" /> Following this the [[National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19]] (NEGVAC) was formed,<ref name="pib.gov.in-2020" /> and in October 2020 states were asked to set up state level mechanisms for the COVID-19 vaccine programme,<ref name="Singh-2020" /> and prepare cold chains points.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Dutt|first=Anonna|date=8 December 2020|title='300 mn people may get vaccinated simultaneously as per availability of doses': Union health secy|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccine-update-300-mn-people-may-get-vaccinated-simultaneously-as-per-availability-of-doses-union-health-secy/story-b9ms8IvtOmb3hD7S32IMMN.html|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208152911/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccine-update-300-mn-people-may-get-vaccinated-simultaneously-as-per-availability-of-doses-union-health-secy/story-b9ms8IvtOmb3hD7S32IMMN.html |archive-date=8 December 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=11 January 2021|agency=Agence France-Presse|title=India Preps To Vaccinate 300 Million, Size Of US Population, By July|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-prepares-to-vaccinate-300-million-size-of-us-population-by-july-2350594|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|work=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111063118/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-prepares-to-vaccinate-300-million-size-of-us-population-by-july-2350594 |archive-date=11 January 2021 }}</ref> A communication strategy for the vaccination programme was also revealed by the health ministry in January 2021, targeting issues such as vaccine eagerness and hesitancy.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Tarfe|first=Akshay|date=3 June 2021|title=How India's Covid-19 communication strategy is failing to combat vaccine hesitancy|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/how-indias-covid-19-communication-strategy-is-failing-to-combat-vaccine-hesitancy-7342890/|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603140340/https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/how-indias-covid-19-communication-strategy-is-failing-to-combat-vaccine-hesitancy-7342890/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 }}</ref>

India started out with a vaccination policy targeting 300 million people based on occupation and age group, to be completed a time period of six months, by August 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=16 January 2021|title=India rolls out the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination drive|url=https://www.who.int/india/news/feature-stories/detail/india-rolls-out-the-world-s-largest-covid-19-vaccination-drive|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=World Health Organisation|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118095040/https://www.who.int/india/news/feature-stories/detail/india-rolls-out-the-world-s-largest-covid-19-vaccination-drive |archive-date=18 January 2021 }}</ref><ref name="TheHindu-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=22 May 2021|title=Vaccine shortage attributed to India's expanded coverage for wider population: Experts|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/vaccine-shortage-attributed-to-indias-expanded-coverage-for-wider-population-serum/article34622558.ece|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=The Hindu @businessline|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522150712/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/vaccine-shortage-attributed-to-indias-expanded-coverage-for-wider-population-serum/article34622558.ece |archive-date=22 May 2021 }}</ref>
* '''Phase 1''' started on 16 January 2021 and targeted 10 million health workers{{efn|Health-care workers include "Health-care providers and workers in the health-care setting (public and private), including Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) workers. The group has been further divided into nine sub-groups: medical officers, nurses and supervisors, frontline health and ICDS workers, paramedical staff, support staff, medical, nursing and paramedical students, medical scientists and research staff, clerical and administrative staff and other health staff."<ref name=":defn">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Jayan|first=T. V.|date=3 January 2021|title=Covid-19 vaccination: All you need to know|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/covid-19-vaccination-all-you-need-to-know/article33487824.ece|url-status=live|access-date=21 May 2021|website=The Hindu @businessline|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103225259/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/covid-19-vaccination-all-you-need-to-know/article33487824.ece |archive-date=3 January 2021 }}</ref>}} first followed by 20 million frontline workers.{{efn|Frontline Workers (FLWs) include "Personnel from State and Central Police organisation, Armed Forces, Home Guards, prison staff, disaster management volunteers, Civil Defence organisation, Municipal Workers and revenue officials engaged in surveillance and containment activities."<ref name=":defn" /> A number of states have included ''journalists'' as frontline workers.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Pakrasi |first1=Susmita |title=Here's list of states that have declared journalists as frontline workers |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/heres-list-of-states-that-have-declared-journalists-as-frontline-workers-101620112780855.html |access-date=21 May 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=4 May 2021}}</ref> Gujarat has included ''crematorium workers'' as frontline workers.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=12 May 2021|title=Gujarat: Crematorium workers to be considered as frontline warriors|work=The Economic Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/gujarat-crematorium-workers-to-be-considered-as-frontline-warriors/articleshow/82581967.cms?from=mdr|access-date=21 May 2021}}</ref>}}<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Sud|first1=Vedika|last2=Gan|first2=Nectar|date=19 December 2020|title=How India plans to vaccinate 300 million people against Covid-19|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/asia/india-coronavirus-vaccine-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219041847/https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/18/asia/india-coronavirus-vaccine-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=19 December 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Sood-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Sood|first1=Rakesh|last2=Kapur|first2=Kriti|last3=Kurian|first3=Oommen C.|date=31 May 2021|title=India's Vaccine Rollout: A Reality Check|url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/indias-vaccine-rollout-a-reality-check/|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=ORF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531052648/https://www.orfonline.org/research/indias-vaccine-rollout-a-reality-check/ |archive-date=31 May 2021 }}</ref> Phase 1 was to be completed by 31 March.<ref name="Sanghi-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sanghi|first=Neeta|date=23 April 2021|title=The Modi Govt Wants to Vaccinate All Indians. Its Plan Points the Other Way.|url=https://science.thewire.in/health/modi-government-covid-vaccination-strategy-manufacturers-price-war-inequity/|access-date=4 June 2021|website=The Wire Science|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="Sood-2021" /> On 3 April, registrations for this group was closed.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Kumar|first=Parimal|date=4 April 2021|editor-last=Achom|editor-first=Debanish|title=No Fresh Registrations For Healthcare Workers For Covid Vaccine: Centre|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/frontline-healthcare-workers-no-longer-allowed-to-register-for-covid-vaccination-says-centre-2405585|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403162335/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/frontline-healthcare-workers-no-longer-allowed-to-register-for-covid-vaccination-says-centre-2405585 |archive-date=3 April 2021 }}</ref> 67% of health, frontline workers received at least one dose; taking into account ''registered'' health and frontline workers, the number of ''fully'' vaccinated is 47%.<ref name="Sanghi-2021" /><ref name="Dey-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Dey|first=Sushmi|date=19 April 2021|title=Only 37% of 3 crore health, frontline workers fully vaccinated|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/only-37-of-3-crore-health-frontline-workers-fully-vaccinated/articleshow/82135322.cms|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418210235/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/only-37-of-3-crore-health-frontline-workers-fully-vaccinated/articleshow/82135322.cms |archive-date=18 April 2021 }}</ref>
* '''Phase 2''' began on 1 March 2021 to cover 45+ year old's with co-morbidities and 60+ year old's.<ref name="Sood-2021" /> On 1 April, vaccinations were opened for everyone above 45 years.<ref name="Sood-2021" /> Shortages in vaccine supplies were evident in March.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Das|first=Krishna N.|date=10 March 2021|title=Big Indian state scales down vaccinations, citing shortage|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-india-vaccine-idUSKBN2B1114|access-date=4 June 2021}}</ref>

On 19 March 2021, in the [[Lok Sabha]], the health minister of India stated that "It is not necessary, scientifically, to give each and every person in the country the vaccine. Not each and every person in the world will be vaccinated. The prioritisation process is a dynamic process..."<ref name="HindustanTimes-2021-1">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=19 March 2021|editor-last=Ghosh|editor-first=Poulomi|title='Every vaccine does not require universal immunisation': Harsh Vardhan on Covid-19 vaccine in Lok Sabha|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/every-vaccine-does-not-require-universal-immunisation-harsh-vardhan-on-covid-19-vaccine-in-lok-sabha-101616137766912.html|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319071625/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/every-vaccine-does-not-require-universal-immunisation-harsh-vardhan-on-covid-19-vaccine-in-lok-sabha-101616137766912.html |archive-date=19 March 2021 }}</ref>
* '''Phase 3''' of the vaccination campaign was opened up to include all eligible adults (18+) from 1 May 2021 following a surge in cases in April, a second wave.<ref name="PIB-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|author=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|date=19 April 2021|title=Government of India announces a Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination from 1st May|url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1712710|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=PIB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604131004/https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1712710 |archive-date=4 June 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Sanghi-2021" /> This expansion resulted in immediate, increased and prolonged vaccine shortages.<ref name="TheHindu-2021" />
[[File:India's COVID19 vaccination deployment till 3 June 2021.png|thumb|400x400px|India's COVID-19 vaccination deployment until 3 June]]
Changes in procurement policies, the liberalised vaccination policy,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|author=RK Dewan & Co|date=31 May 2021|title=NEGVAC clears myths about COVID vaccination in India|url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=47dbec11-e936-4be0-8135-0cc5c0575054|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Lexology|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601144010/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=47dbec11-e936-4be0-8135-0cc5c0575054 |archive-date=1 June 2021 }}</ref><ref name="PIB-2021" /> and differential pricing further complicated the situation.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=2 June 2021|title='Arbitrary and irrational': Supreme Court questions Centre's liberalised vaccination policy|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/arbitrary-and-irrational-supreme-court-questions-centres-liberalised-vaccination-policy/2263694/|access-date=4 June 2021|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ellyatt|first=Holly|date=5 May 2021|title=India is the home of the world's biggest producer of Covid vaccines. But it's facing a major internal shortage|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/05/why-covid-vaccine-producer-india-faces-major-shortage-of-doses.html|access-date=4 June 2021|publisher=CNBC|language=en}}</ref>  Children in India experienced [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772368222001159?via%3Dihub lower routine immunization] coverage and greater delays in immunization during this time. Global vaccine obligations of India were also severely affected including those with south-Asian neighbours,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=29 April 2021|title=Bangladesh approves China's Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2021/04/29/bangladesh-approves-china-s-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref> and 190 countries associated with [[COVAX]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Mazumdar|first=Tulip|date=17 May 2021|title=India's Covid crisis hits Covax vaccine-sharing scheme|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-57135368|access-date=19 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=24 March 2021|title=Coronavirus: India temporarily halts Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine exports|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56513371|access-date=4 June 2021}}</ref>

By 22 October 2021, India delivered 1 Billion doses for COVID-19 out of which, 700 million were single doses and 300 million were double doses.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=India Achieves 1 Billion Jabs Feat, PM Says "History Scripted": 10 Points|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-reaches-1-billion-vaccinations-milestone-2582650|access-date=23 October 2021|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

According to a 2022 modelling study published in [[The Lancet|The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal]], over 4.2 million lives were saved in India in 2021 due to vaccination against COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web | title=Covid-19 vaccines prevented over 42 lakh deaths in India in 2021: Lancet study | website=mint | date=2022-06-24 | url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid19-vaccines-prevented-over-42-lakh-covid-19-deaths-in-india-in-2021-says-lancet-study-details-here-11656028876276.html | access-date=2022-08-26}}</ref>

=== Immediate relief ===
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Sanitisation of street by KMC 02.jpg
| image2 = Nashik taluka. Spraying disinfectants and sanitizers is being done from village to village including gardens and yards.jpg
| image3 = Jaipur during lockdown.jpg
| image4 = Covid 19 Tiruppur Tamil Nadu IMG 20200411 125149893.jpg
| perrow = 2/2
| footer = Various sanitisation methods were adopted
| total_width = 400
}}

==== Welfare ====
On 19 March 2020, [[Kerala]] announced a stimulus package of {{INRConvert|20000|c|lk=|year=2020}} to help the state overcome both the COVID-19 epidemic and economic hardship caused by it.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=20 March 2020|title=Kerala government announces Rs 20,000 crore package to tackle coronavirus outbreak|newspaper=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-government-announces-rs-20-000-crore-package-to-tackle-coronavirus-outbreak/story-KzGvehTH4HXjhnkTBLU49M.html|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref> On 21 March, [[Uttar Pradesh]] announced {{INRConvert|1000||lk=|year=2020}} to all daily wage labourers.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Gaur|first1=Vatsala|date=21 March 2020|title=Yogi Adityanath announces relief measures for UP's daily wage earners|newspaper=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/yogi-adityanath-announces-relief-measures-for-ups-daily-wage-earners/articleshow/74744711.cms|access-date=18 May 2021}}</ref> On 22 March, [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] announced {{INRConvert|3000||lk=|year=2020}} to all registered construction workers.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: Rs 3,000 relief for construction workers, says Punjab CM Amarinder Singh|work=The Times of India|agency=TNN|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/coronavirus-rs-3000-relief-for-construction-workers-says-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh/articleshow/74754595.cms|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref> A number of states and union territories went on to announce free and increased rations for [[Ration card (India)|ration card]] holders.<ref>* {{#invoke:Cite|web|date=22 March 2020|title=Karnataka Seals its Borders, Announces Free Ration for All for 2 Months as Covid-19 Cases Reach 20|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/karnataka-seals-its-borders-announces-free-ration-for-all-for-2-months-as-covid-19-cases-reach-20-2546273.html|access-date=22 March 2020|website=News18}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news |date=23 March 2020|agency=ANI|title=Bihar CM announces 1 month free supplies for ration card holders|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/city/patna/bihar-cm-announces-1-month-free-supplies-for-ration-card-holders/videoshow/74780789.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410012129/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/city/patna/bihar-cm-announces-1-month-free-supplies-for-ration-card-holders/videoshow/74780789.cms|archive-date=10 April 2020|access-date=18 February 2021|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 March 2020|title=AP announces lockdown till March 31|work=Outlook India|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ap-announces-lockdown-till-march-31/1776396|access-date=18 May 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 March 2020|title=Telangana Lockdown: 12&nbsp;kg free rice per person {{INRConvert|1500||lk=|year=2020}} per family to be supplied for each white ration card|work=Telangana Today|url=https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-lockdown-12-kg-free-rice-per-person-rs-1500-per-family-to-be-supplied-for-each-white-ration-card|access-date=18 May 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=21 March 2020|title=COVID-19 causing financial stress to poor, ration per person increased: Arvind Kejriwal|newspaper=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pension-for-elderly-widows-specially-abled-being-doubled-in-view-of-covid-19-announces-arvind-kejriwal/articleshow/74747399.cms|access-date=18 May 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|date=22 April 2020|title=Over 1 crore people will get free rations: Delhi CM|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/over-1cr-people-will-get-free-rations-cm/articleshow/75282400.cms |access-date=20 May 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> [[Karnataka]] announced {{INRConvert|1610|c|lk=on|year=2020}} relief for unorganised sectors including flower growers, washer-men and women, barbers, construction workers, auto and cab drivers, [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises|MSMEs]], and weavers.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Poovanna|first=Sharan|date=6 May 2020|title=₹1,610-crore relief for those hardest-hit by lockdown in Karnataka|website=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/-1-610-crore-relief-for-those-hardest-hit-by-lockdown-in-karnataka-11588784599700.html|access-date=18 May 2021}}</ref> The Delhi government announced that if a doctor, nurse or hygiene worker dies during treatment, their family will be provided {{INRConvert|10|m}}.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=14 April 2020|editor-last=Bhasin|editor-first=Swati|title=Rs 1 Crore For Families Of COVID-19 Warriors If They Die: Arvind Kejriwal|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-announces-rs-1-crore-for-families-of-health-personnel-if-they-lose-their-lives-while-2204204|url-status=live|access-date=18 May 2021|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401125746/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-announces-rs-1-crore-for-families-of-health-personnel-if-they-lose-their-lives-while-2204204 |archive-date=1 April 2020 }}</ref> The Union government also announced the distribution of rations.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=25 March 2020|title=Cabinet Meet Live Updates: Centre To Provide 7 Kg Ration To 80 Crore People|url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/economy-finance/cabinet-meet-live-updates-government-to-announce-decisions-taken-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-nirmala-sitharaman-narendra-modi-labour-minister-workforce-financial-plan-measures-direct-benefit-transfer-gdp-economy|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=BloombergQuint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325100230/https://www.bloombergquint.com/economy-finance/cabinet-meet-live-updates-government-to-announce-decisions-taken-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-nirmala-sitharaman-narendra-modi-labour-minister-workforce-financial-plan-measures-direct-benefit-transfer-gdp-economy |archive-date=25 March 2020 }}</ref>

==== Economic relief and stimulus package ====

{{Main|Economic_impact_of_the_COVID-19_pandemic_in_India#Atmanirbhar_Bharat_Abhiyan_(Economic_package)|l1 = Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan}}
A [[Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana|food security scheme]], part of wider economic relief package of {{INRConvert|1.7|lc|lk=|year=2020}}, was announced by the center on 26 March 2020. This also included direct cash transfer, primarily for [[Migrant worker|migrant labourers]] and daily wage labourers; and free gas cylinders for three months.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=26 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: FM Sitharaman announces package worth Rs 1,70,000 crore for poor, daily wagers|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-live-updates-economic-relief-package-india-coronavirus-1659912-2020-03-26|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326224738/https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-live-updates-economic-relief-package-india-coronavirus-1659912-2020-03-26|archive-date=26 March 2020|access-date=26 March 2020|website=India Today}}</ref> This was followed by RBI cutting repo rates, injecting liquidity and permitting banks to provide a [[Moratorium (law)|moratorium]] on all loans for three months.<ref name="Ram-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ram|first=Anya Bharat|date=8 April 2020|title=Central government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic (Jan 2020 – Apr 7, 2020)|url=https://www.prsindia.org/theprsblog/central-government%E2%80%99s-response-covid-19-pandemic-jan-2020-apr-7-2020|url-status=live|access-date=21 May 2021|website=PRSIndia|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416085218/https://www.prsindia.org/theprsblog/central-government%E2%80%99s-response-covid-19-pandemic-jan-2020-apr-7-2020 |archive-date=16 April 2020 }}</ref> Payment of taxes was relaxed and states were provided with short term credit via increased [[ways and means advances]] limits.<ref name="Ram-2020" /> Pending wages of daily wage labourers under [[Mgnrega]] scheme were released.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=27 March 2020|title=Centre releases Rs 4431 crore to clear pending wages under MGNREGA, to pay all dues by April 10|newspaper=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/finance/centre-releases-rs-4431-crore-to-clear-pending-wages-under-mgnrega-to-pay-all-dues-by-april-10/articleshow/74849430.cms|access-date=27 March 2020}}</ref> On 12 May the Prime Minister announced an economic package of {{INRConvert|20|lc|lk=on|year=2020}}; this included previous government actions, including the RBI announcements and the Finance Ministers announcement on 26 March.<ref name="Iyer-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Iyer|first1=P Vaidyanathan|date=15 May 2020|title=Math behind Rs 20-lakh crore economic package: It is 10% of GDP but about half is already factored in|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-math-its-10-of-gdp-but-less-than-5-cash-outgo-pm-modi-relief-packages-6407302/|access-date=15 May 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=13 May 2020|agency=Reuters|title=How 10% Of GDP Package Breaks Up: Additional Is Rs 13.5 Lakh Crore|url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/coronavirus-covid-19-crisis-how-10-of-gdp-package-breaks-up-additional-is-rs-13-5-lakh-crore-2227899|access-date=15 May 2020|work=NDTV}}</ref> On 12 October and 12 November, the government announced two more economic stimulus packages, bringing the total economic stimulus to {{INRConvert|29.87|lc|lk=on|year=2020}}.<ref name="Sharma-2020-1">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sharma|first=Manoj|date=12 November 2020|title=Govt announces Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0; claims COVID stimulus now worth Rs 29.8 lakh crore|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/govt-announces-atmanirbhar-bharat-30-covid-stimulus-worth-rs-29-lakh-crore/story/421809.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116015509/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/govt-announces-atmanirbhar-bharat-30-covid-stimulus-worth-rs-29-lakh-crore/story/421809.html |archive-date=16 November 2020 |access-date=26 November 2020|website=Business Today}}</ref> {{INRConvert|15000|c|lk=on|year=2020}} was sanctioned for the health sectors response to COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ram|first=Anya Bharat|date=1 May 2020|title=Monthly Policy Review: April 2020. Rs 15,000 crore sanctioned towards the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package|url=https://prsindia.org/policy/monthly-policy-review/april-2020|url-status=live|access-date=21 May 2021|website=PRS Legislative Research|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521090734/https://prsindia.org/policy/monthly-policy-review/april-2020 |archive-date=21 May 2021 }}</ref>
[[File:India COVID-19 Government Stringency Index.png|thumb|400x400px|India's (in red) government stringency during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index. The stringency index includes schools, workplaces, public events, gatherings, public transport, public information campaigns, stay at home policy, internal movement, international travel, testing policy, contract tracing, face coverings, and vaccination policy.<ref name="Ritchie-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|journal|title=COVID-19: Stringency Index|url=https://ourworldindata.org/covid-stringency-index|access-date=1 June 2021|journal=Our World in Data|date=5 March 2020|last1=Ritchie|first1=Hannah|author-link1=Hannah Ritchie|last2=Ortiz-Ospina|first2=Esteban|last3=Beltekian|first3=Diana|last4=Mathieu|first4=Edouard|last5=Hasell|first5=Joe|last6=MacDonald|first6=Bobbie|last7=Giattino|first7=Charlie|last8=Appel|first8=Cameron|last9=Rodés-Guirao|first9=Lucas|last10=Roser|first10=Max}}</ref><ref name="Hale-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|journal|last1=Hale|first1=Thomas|last2=Angrist|first2=Noam|last3=Goldszmidt|first3=Rafael|last4=Kira|first4=Beatriz|last5=Petherick|first5=Anna|last6=Phillips|first6=Toby|last7=Webster|first7=Samuel|last8=Cameron-Blake|first8=Emily|last9=Hallas|first9=Laura|last10=Majumdar|first10=Saptarshi|last11=Tatlow|first11=Helen|date=March 2021|title=A global panel database of pandemic policies (Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker)|journal=Nature Human Behaviour|language=en|volume=5|issue=4|pages=529–538|doi=10.1038/s41562-021-01079-8|pmid=33686204|s2cid=232160867|issn=2397-3374|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=10 April 2020|title=India scores high on Covid-19 response tracker made by Oxford University|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-scores-high-on-covid-19-response-tracker-made-by-oxford-university-1665573-2020-04-10|url-status=live|access-date=19 May 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411052450/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-scores-high-on-covid-19-response-tracker-made-by-oxford-university-1665573-2020-04-10 |archive-date=11 April 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=8 May 2020|title=Explained: India enforced one of the strongest lockdowns, here's how it stacks up against other countries|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-india-lockdown-vs-global-lockdown-covid-19-deaths-cases-cure-6399181/|access-date=26 April 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>]] On 12 June 2021, [[Minister of Finance (India)|Finance Minister]] [[Nirmala Sitharaman]] announced to reduce the [[Goods and Service Tax (India)|GST]] tax rates on the equipments, medicines, masks, sanitizers etc. which are being using for the treatment of COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=12 June 2021|title=Government to reduce GST on the items to be used for COVID-19 treatment:Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nirmala-sitharaman-44-gst-council-meeting-covid-vaccine-drugs-oxygen-tax-7355890/|url-status=live|access-date=13 June 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612150132/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nirmala-sitharaman-44-gst-council-meeting-covid-vaccine-drugs-oxygen-tax-7355890/ |archive-date=12 June 2021 }}</ref>

=== Lockdowns ===
{{Main|COVID-19 lockdown in India}}

==== First wave: Nation-wide ====
[[File:Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 - India.jpg|thumb|Special provisions inserted in the [[Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897|Epidemic Diseases Act]] as a result of COVID-19 spread ]]
The [[Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897]] and [[Disaster Management Act, 2005]] was invoked in mid-March 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Awasthi|first=Prashasti|date=12 March 2020|title=Centre invokes 'Epidemic Act' and 'Disaster Management Act' to prevent spread of coronavirus|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/centre-invokes-epidemic-act-and-disaster-management-act-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/article31049161.ece|url-status=live|access-date=19 May 2021|website=@businessline|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313001617/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/centre-invokes-epidemic-act-and-disaster-management-act-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/article31049161.ece |archive-date=13 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Sharma-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sharma|first=Ayan|date=18 March 2020|title=How Indian states are gearing up to tackle the coronavirus pandemic|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2020/03/18/how-indian-states-are-gearing-up-to-tackle-the-coronavirus-pandemic|url-status=live|access-date=19 May 2021|website=Newslaundry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319164411/https://www.newslaundry.com/2020/03/18/how-indian-states-are-gearing-up-to-tackle-the-coronavirus-pandemic |archive-date=19 March 2020 }}</ref> All commercial domestic and international flights were suspended in March.<ref name="NDTV-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=12 March 2020|editor-last=Sanyal|editor-first=Anindita|title=India Suspends All Tourist Visas Till April 15 Over Coronavirus: 10 Facts|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-impact-visas-to-india-suspended-till-april-15-2193382|url-status=live|access-date=12 March 2020|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311221112/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-impact-visas-to-india-suspended-till-april-15-2193382 |archive-date=11 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Ram-2020" /> A number of cities and states announced that they would restrict public gatherings, dine-in restaurants, or order the closure of various non-essential businesses through 31 March to [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/time-will-reveal-value-of-india-s-lockdown/story-IPIEceh3byv2lHnB6kZp3H.html slow the spread of COVID-19].<ref>* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Bedi|first=Aneesha|date=19 March 2020|title=Kejriwal govt orders Delhi restaurants to shut shop with immediate effect until 31 March|url=https://theprint.in/india/kejriwal-govt-orders-delhi-restaurants-to-shut-shop-with-immediate-effect-until-31-march/384034/|access-date=20 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=20 March 2020|title=All Delhi malls to be closed, grocery and pharmacy stores exempted: CM Arvind Kejriwal|website=Deccan Herald|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/all-delhi-malls-to-be-closed-grocery-and-pharmacy-stores-exempted-cm-arvind-kejriwal-815679.html|access-date=20 March 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Shukla|first=Nelanshu|date=20 March 2020|title=Coronavirus outbreak in India: All restaurants, cafes, eateries to remain closed in Lucknow till March 31|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-outbreak-in-india-all-restaurants-cafes-eateries-to-remain-closed-in-lucknow-till-march-31-1657885-2020-03-20|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323172328/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/mar/21/coronavirus-gehlot-orders-lockdown-in-rajasthan-till-march-31-exempts-essential-services-2119946.html |archive-date=23 March 2020 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Pinto|first=Richa|date=20 March 2020|title=Mumbai Lockdown: Many markets and shops in lockdown mode due to Coronavirus|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/virus-effect-many-mumbai-markets-and-shops-in-lockdown-mode/articleshow/74726223.cms|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323172328/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/mar/21/coronavirus-gehlot-orders-lockdown-in-rajasthan-till-march-31-exempts-essential-services-2119946.html |archive-date=23 March 2020 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|date=20 March 2020|title=Coronavirus in Maharashtra: All non-essential shops, offices to shut in Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune|url=https://m.businesstoday.in/lite/story/coronavirus-in-maharashtra-govt-orders-lockdown-of-offices-shops-as-cases-rise-to-52/1/398774.html|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=Business Standard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323172328/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/mar/21/coronavirus-gehlot-orders-lockdown-in-rajasthan-till-march-31-exempts-essential-services-2119946.html |archive-date=23 March 2020 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 March 2020|title=Punjab to enforce lockdown till March 31|newspaper=The Economic Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/punjab-to-enforce-lockdown-till-march-31/articleshow/74756389.cms|access-date=20 May 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|date=21 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: Gehlot orders lockdown in Rajasthan till March 31, exempts essential services|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/mar/21/coronavirus-gehlot-orders-lockdown-in-rajasthan-till-march-31-exempts-essential-services-2119946.html|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323172328/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/mar/21/coronavirus-gehlot-orders-lockdown-in-rajasthan-till-march-31-exempts-essential-services-2119946.html |archive-date=23 March 2020 }}</ref> On 19 March 2020, Prime Minister Modi asked all Indians to observe a 14-hour ''[[COVID-19 lockdown in India#Janata Curfew|Janata curfew]]'' ("people's curfew") on 22 March, and to thank essential workers by clapping or ringing bells at 5 p.m. outside their homes.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=20 March 2020|title=PM Modi calls for 'Janata curfew' on March 22 from 7 AM-9 PM|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/pm-modi-calls-for-janta-curfew-on-march-22-from-7-am-9-pm/article31110155.ece|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2021|website=The Hindu @businessline|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319164201/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/pm-modi-calls-for-janta-curfew-on-march-22-from-7-am-9-pm/article31110155.ece |archive-date=19 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Pandey-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Pandey|first=Alok|date=23 March 2020|editor-last=Bhasin|editor-first=Swati|title=UP Officials Seen With Crowd Amid "Janata Curfew". Then, A Clarification|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/up-officials-seen-with-crowd-amid-janata-curfew-then-a-clarification-2198993|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2021|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323042651/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/up-officials-seen-with-crowd-amid-janata-curfew-then-a-clarification-2198993 |archive-date=23 March 2020 }}</ref> The curfew was used to evaluate the feasibility of a national lockdown.<ref name="Regan-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Regan|first1=Helen|last2=Mitra|first2=Esha|last3=Gupta|first3=Swati|date=23 March 2020|title=India places millions under lockdown to fight coronavirus|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/asia/coronavirus-covid-19-update-india-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323150256/https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/asia/coronavirus-covid-19-update-india-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=23 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="BBCNews-2020-1">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=25 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: India enters 'total lockdown' after spike in cases|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52024239|access-date=26 April 2021}}</ref>

On 24 March, with 519 confirmed cases and 9 deaths in the country,<ref name="BBCNews-2021-2">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=29 March 2021|title=India Covid-19: PM Modi 'did not consult' before lockdown|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56561095|access-date=26 April 2021}}</ref> the Prime Minister announced that India would be placed under a "[[COVID-19 lockdown in India|total lockdown]]" for at least three weeks. All non-critical businesses and services were ordered closed except for hospitals, grocery stores, and pharmacies, and there was a [[Stay-at-home order|"total ban" on leaving the home]] for non-essential purposes. All public transport was suspended.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Gettleman|first1=Jeffrey|last2=Schultz|first2=Kai|date=24 March 2020|title=Modi Orders 3-Week Total Lockdown for All 1.3 Billion Indians|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/world/asia/india-coronavirus-lockdown.html|access-date=26 April 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="BBCNews-2020-1" />

On 16 April, districts were divided into zones using a colour-coded tier system based on incidence rates, classified as a "Red" (hotspot), "Orange", or "Green" (little to no transmission) zone. All of India's major cities fell into Red zones.<ref name="lockdownzones2">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=16 April 2020|title=India coronavirus: All major cities named Covid-19 'red zone' hotspots|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52306225|publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref name="lockdownext2">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Bhaskar|first=Utpal|date=14 April 2020|title=PM Modi announces extension of lockdown till 3 May|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-announces-extension-of-lockdown-till-3-may-11586839412073.html|url-status=live|access-date=21 May 2021|website=Livemint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418134725/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-announces-extension-of-lockdown-till-3-may-11586839412073.html |archive-date=18 April 2020 }}</ref> Beginning 20 April, agricultural businesses and stores selling farming supplies were allowed to resume operation, as well as public works programmes, cargo transport, and banks and government centres distributing benefits.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=15 April 2020|title=India to allow farmers back to work amid lockdown|publisher=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52290761|access-date=21 May 2021}}</ref> Phase 3<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=2 More Weeks Of Lockdown Starting May 4|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nationwide-lockdown-over-coronavirus-extended-for-two-weeks-beyond-may-4-2221782|access-date=1 May 2020|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> and 4 of the lockdown extended until 31 May, with incremental relaxations and changes.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=17 May 2020|title=Coronavirus lockdown extended till 31 May, says NDMA|work=LiveMint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-lockdown-4-0-coronavirus-lockdown-extended-till-31-may-says-ndma-11589715203633.html|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=18 May 2020|title=Lockdown 4.0 guidelines: Centre extends nationwide lockdown till May 31 with considerable relaxations|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/centre-extends-nationwide-lockdown-till-may-31-with-considerable-relaxations/articleshow/75790821.cms|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref> The country began a phased lifting of restrictions on 8 June.<ref name="NDTVUnlock12">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sharma|first=Neeta|date=30 May 2020|editor=Ghosh, Deepshikha|title="Unlock1": Malls, Restaurants, Places Of Worship To Reopen June 8|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lockdown-extended-till-june-30-malls-restaurants-can-reopen-from-june-8-except-in-containment-zones-2237910|access-date=30 May 2020|publisher=NDTV}}</ref> This phased lifting of restrictions continued in a series of "unlocks" which extended into November 2020.<ref name="NDTV-2020" /><ref name=":Unlock5PDF">{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Ministry of Home Affairs Unlock 5.0 official guidelines on their official website|work=Ministry of Home Affairs|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrderDt_30092020.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=29 October 2020|title=Unlock 6.0 latest guidelines: What do they mean for schools, colleges, other educational institutions|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-unlock-6-read-here-what-the-government-s-latest-guidelines-for-schools-colleges-educational-institutions-mean-indiacom-report-2853033|access-date=11 November 2020|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref>

The government was criticised for not using the lockdown to prepare the health system for when the lockdown would be lifted.<ref name="Ghosh-2020-1">{{#invoke:Cite|journal|last=Ghosh|first=Jayati|date=11 July 2020|title=A critique of the Indian government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic|journal=Journal of Industrial and Business Economics|volume=47|issue=3|pages=519–530|doi=10.1007/s40812-020-00170-x|issn=0391-2078|pmc=7351648}}</ref>

==== Second wave: State-wise and localized ====
Cities in Maharashtra such as [[Amravati]] and [[Nagpur]] started imposing curfew restrictions and lockdown measures in late February and early to mid-March 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Singh|first=Sunilkumar|date=23 February 2021|editor-last=Dey|editor-first=Stela|title="Please Cooperate, Else...": Cops On Lockdown In Maharashtra's Amravati|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amravati-covid-lockdown-please-cooperate-else-cops-on-lockdown-in-maharashtras-amravati-2376678|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2021|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223073946/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amravati-covid-lockdown-please-cooperate-else-cops-on-lockdown-in-maharashtras-amravati-2376678 |archive-date=23 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Upadhyay|first=Pankaj|date=15 March 2021|title=Nagpur imposes 7-day lockdown from today as coronavirus cases continue to rise in Maharashtra|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/nagpur-7-day-lockdown-coronavirus-cases-rise-maharashtra-1779448-2021-03-15|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315072315/https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/nagpur-7-day-lockdown-coronavirus-cases-rise-maharashtra-1779448-2021-03-15 |archive-date=15 March 2021 }}</ref> On 4 April, Maharashtra imposed a weekend lockdown and night curfew among other restrictions.<ref name="Gupta-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Gupta|first=Saurabh|date=5 April 2021|editor-last=Roy|editor-first=Divyanshu Dutta|title=Weekend Lockdown In Maharashtra, 8 PM-7 AM Curfew Amid Covid Surge|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maharashtra-announces-night-curfew-amid-spike-in-covid-cases-2405975|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2021|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404121122/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maharashtra-announces-night-curfew-amid-spike-in-covid-cases-2405975 |archive-date=4 April 2021 }}</ref> By early to mid-May, 35 of 36 of [[States and union territories of India|India's states and union territories]] had some form of state-wide and localised restriction.<ref name="IndianExpress-2021-1">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=9 May 2021|title=Covid-19 second wave: Here's a list of states that have imposed full lockdown|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/covid-19-second-wave-heres-a-list-of-states-that-have-imposed-lockdowns-7306634/|access-date=19 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Sangal-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sangal|first=Aditi|date=17 May 2021|title=Analysis: Another national lockdown is not realistic for India|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/17/asia/india-second-coronavirus-wave-lockdown-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 May 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517072914/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/17/asia/india-second-coronavirus-wave-lockdown-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=17 May 2021 }}</ref> The second wave of the pandemic in India has seen no nationwide lockdown.<ref name="IndianExpress-2021-1" /><ref name="Sangal-2021" /> Phased unlocking was announced starting June in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and a number of other states.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ail|first=Arundhati|date=31 May 2021|title=All the new lockdown guidelines across India in June|url=https://www.cntraveller.in/story/maharashtra-madhyapradesh-delhi-mumbai-brace-for-new-lockdown-guidelines-across-india-in-june/|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2021|website=Condé Nast Traveller India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531102739/https://www.cntraveller.in/story/maharashtra-madhyapradesh-delhi-mumbai-brace-for-new-lockdown-guidelines-across-india-in-june/ |archive-date=31 May 2021 }}</ref>

=== Administration, committees and task forces ===
India's covid response is being guided by a number of committees, empowered groups, advisory groups and task forces. Some of these were formed before the pandemic such as the [[National Immunization Technical Advisory Group|National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation]] (NTAGI), "India's apex advisory body on immunization",<ref>[https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/CODE_OF_PRACTICE.pdf Code of Practice]. (PDF) ''National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.'' July 2015. p 3. Retrieved 22 May 2021. "As India's apex advisory body on immunization, the NTAGI provides guidance and advice to the MoHFW [...]"</ref> and the [[Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme]] (IDSP) under the [[National Centre for Disease Control]].<ref name="Ghosh-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ghosh|first=Abantika|date=17 May 2021|title=Too many cooks? 15 committees, dozens of experts behind India's fumbling Covid response|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/too-many-cooks-15-committees-dozens-of-experts-behind-indias-fumbling-covid-response/658487/|access-date=22 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> IDSP was brought in as early as 17 January 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=June 2020|title=India's Policy Response to COVID-19|url=http://centerforpolicyimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/06/India-National-Response-to-COVID_19.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=23 May 2021|website=The Center for Policy Impact in Global Health|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523125631/http://centerforpolicyimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/06/India-National-Response-to-COVID_19.pdf |archive-date=23 May 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=17 January 2020|author=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|title=Health Ministry reviews preparedness for Novel Corona Virus(nCoV)|url=https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1599665|url-status=live|access-date=23 May 2021|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523125629/https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1599665 |archive-date=23 May 2021 }}</ref> Some of these were constituted following the onset of the pandemic such as the ICMR COVID-19 Task Force.<ref name="HindustanTimes-2020" /> The [[National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19]] (NEGVAC), formed in August 2020 would guide the national vaccine delivery strategy.<ref name="pib.gov.in-2020" /> In October 2020, NEGVAC advice resulted in the formation of a three-tier state level mechanism for the implementation of the vaccine strategy.<ref name="Singh-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Singh|first=Nitendra|date=31 October 2020|title=Govt begins preparations for Covid vaccine drive, asks states to set up 3-tier system for rollout|url=http://ddnews.gov.in/national/govt-begins-preparations-covid-vaccine-drive-asks-states-set-3-tier-system-rollout|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=DD News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101122246/http://ddnews.gov.in/national/govt-begins-preparations-covid-vaccine-drive-asks-states-set-3-tier-system-rollout |archive-date=1 November 2020 }}</ref> The overall response has been led by the Prime Minister and his office; at least 67 review meetings have been held by it between January 2020 and May 2021.<ref name="Ghosh-2021" />
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="font-size:85%;"
|+Table of EGs, Task Forces and Committees
!Formation Date
!Name
!Members
!Notes
!Ref
|-
! colspan="5" style="background: #CEF2E6;" |2020
|-
|3 Feb
|Group of Ministers (GOM) on COVID-19
|Chaired by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]]
|On 17 May 2021, the 26th meeting of the GOM was held.
|<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=13 February 2020|title=High-level Group of Ministers reviews preparedness to tackle coronavirus|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/high-level-group-of-ministers-reviews-preparedness-tackle-coronavirus/story/396116.html|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=Business Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214153650/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/high-level-group-of-ministers-reviews-preparedness-tackle-coronavirus/story/396116.html |archive-date=14 February 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=17 May 2021|author=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|title=Dr Harsh Vardhan chairs 26th meeting of Group of Ministers (GOM) on COVID-19|url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1719352|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520151559/https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1719352 |archive-date=20 May 2021 }}</ref>
|-
|29 Mar
|11 Empowered Groups
|Representatives from the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]] and the [[Cabinet Secretariat (India)|cabinet secretariat]]. Headed by [[Secretary to the Government of India|Secretary]] level officers, [[NITI Aayog]] members including [[Amitabh Kant]]
|Set up under [[Disaster Management Act, 2005|Disaster Management Act 2005]]; 11 empowered groups set up to ensure quick decision making related to the pandemic and coordinate response.
|<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Gupta|first1=Moushumi Das|last2=Dhingra|first2=Sanya|date=29 March 2020|title=PM Modi sets up 11 empowered groups as quick response teams to tackle coronavirus outbreak|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/pm-modi-sets-up-10-empowered-groups-as-quick-response-teams-to-tackle-coronavirus-outbreak/390849/|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406213235/https://theprint.in/india/governance/pm-modi-sets-up-10-empowered-groups-as-quick-response-teams-to-tackle-coronavirus-outbreak/390849/ |archive-date=6 April 2020 }}</ref>
|-
|7 April
|National Task Force for COVID-19 (ICMR COVID-19 Task Force)
|Headed by [[Vinod Kumar Paul|VK Paul]], [[Randeep Guleria]] and [[Balram Bhargava]].
|Set up by [[Indian Council of Medical Research|ICMR]]; terms of reference includes "identifying research priorities, review evidence, align research with level of outbreak and response; identify and create protocol; develop concept notes and identify partners for implementation".
|<ref name="HindustanTimes-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=7 April 2020|title=ICMR sets up national task force on Covid-19, will also decide on lockdown|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/icmr-constitutes-national-task-force-on-covid-19/story-YxPP2C012gUJxZtv8kCAwK.html|access-date=15 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Ghosh-2021" />
|-
|14 April
|Vaccine Task Force
|Co-chaired by [[Vinod Kumar Paul|VK Paul]] and PSA [[K. VijayRaghavan]]
|Set up by the Prime Minister's Office; until 3 May 2021, 23 meetings of the VTF have been held.
|<ref name="VaccineTaskForce-2021">[https://static.psa.gov.in/psa-prod/psa_custom_files/Meeting%20schedule%20of%20the%20PMO%20Constituted%20VTF_0.pdf Meeting Schedule of the PMO Constituted Vaccine Task Force (VTF) for "Focused Research and Development of Corona Vaccine and other Science and Technology Issues"]. (PDF) Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210515041959/https://static.psa.gov.in/psa-prod/psa_custom_files/Meeting%20schedule%20of%20the%20PMO%20Constituted%20VTF_0.pdf Archived] (PDF) on 15 May 2021.</ref>
|-
|~31 May
|National COVID-19 Supermodel Committee
|[[Mathukumalli Vidyasagar|M Vidyasagar]], [[Manindra Agrawal]], Lt Gen [[Madhuri Kanitkar]], [[Biman Bagchi]], [[Arup Bose]], [[Gagandeep Kang]], [[Sankar Kumar Pal|Sankar K Pal]]
|Set up under the [[Department of Science and Technology (India)|Department of Science and Technology]]; forecasting and modelling related to the pandemic.
|<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=31 May 2020|title=Two institutes in Bengaluru to lead India's Covid prediction model|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/two-institutes-in-bengaluru-to-lead-indias-covid-prediction-model/articleshow/76114742.cms|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531054805/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/two-institutes-in-bengaluru-to-lead-indias-covid-prediction-model/articleshow/76114742.cms |archive-date=31 May 2020 }}</ref>
|-
|12 Aug
|[[National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19]] (NEGVAC)
|Headed by [[Vinod Kumar Paul|VK Paul]] and Union Health Secretary [[Rajesh Bhushan]]
|Vaccine delivery strategy.
|<ref name="pib.gov.in-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=12 August 2020|title=National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 deliberates on strategy to ensure COVID-19 vaccines' availability and its delivery mechanism|url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1645363|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=pib.gov.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515044227/https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1645363 |archive-date=15 May 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=15 January 2021|title=National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID19|url=https://journalsofindia.com/national-expert-group-on-vaccine-administration-for-covid19/|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=JournalsOfIndia|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515044219/https://journalsofindia.com/national-expert-group-on-vaccine-administration-for-covid19/ |archive-date=15 May 2021 }}</ref>
|-
|14 Sep
|6 Empowered Groups <small>(reconstituted)</small>
|Headed by [[Vinod Kumar Paul|V.K. Paul]], Guruprasad Mahapatra, [[Amitabh Kant]], Tarun Bajaj, [[Ajay Kumar Bhalla|Ajay Bhalla]]
|The 11 empowered groups set up on 29 March 2020 were reconstituted into 6 EGs. The groups had also undergone modification in May 2020.
|<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ghosh|first=Abantika|date=14 September 2020|title=Modi govt's 11 Covid empowered panels now replaced by six larger groups|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/modi-govts-11-covid-empowered-panels-now-replaced-by-six-larger-groups/502802/|access-date=15 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|agency=PTI|date=2 May 2020|title=Coronavirus {{!}} MHA reconstitutes empowered groups|language=en-IN|newspaper=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-mha-reconstitutes-empowered-groups/article31488977.ece|access-date=15 May 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=31 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: Empowered group likely to firm up medical emergency plan in next few days|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/coronavirus-empowered-group-likely-to-firm-up-medical-emergency-plan-in-next-few-days-6339247/|access-date=15 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|26 Oct
|State Steering Committee. State/ District/ Urban/ Block Task Forces.
|Chaired by Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Health), District Magistrate, Municipal Commissioner, [[Sub-Divisional Magistrate|SDM]]/ [[Block development officer|BDO]] respectively.
|Following NEGVAC advice, the union government asked the states to form state-specific mechanisms in preparation for the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination drive.
|<ref name="Singh-2020" /><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sharma|first=Milan|date=30 October 2020|title=Centre directs states to form committees to oversee Covid-19 vaccination drive|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/centre-directs-states-to-form-committees-to-oversee-covid-19-vaccination-drives-1736641-2020-10-30|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030134909/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/centre-directs-states-to-form-committees-to-oversee-covid-19-vaccination-drives-1736641-2020-10-30 |archive-date=30 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=30 October 2020|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Centre Asks States To Form Committees For Smooth COVID-19 Vaccination Drive|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/centre-asks-states-to-form-committees-for-smooth-covid-19-vaccination-drive-2318158|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|work=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030213343/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/centre-asks-states-to-form-committees-for-smooth-covid-19-vaccination-drive-2318158 |archive-date=30 October 2020 }}</ref>
|-
|25 Dec
|[[Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics]] (INSACOG)
|Ten laboratories of [[Department of Biotechnology]], MoST, [[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research|CSIR]], [[Indian Council of Medical Research|ICMR]] and [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|MoHFW]]
|"To monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a multi-laboratory network."
|<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=24 March 2021|author=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|title=Genome Sequencing by INSACOG shows variants of concern and a Novel variant in India|url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1707177 |access-date=20 May 2021|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=30 December 2020|agency=Press Information Bureau|title=Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG) launched, coordinated by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with MoH&FW, ICMR, and CSIR |url=http://dbtindia.gov.in/pressrelease/indian-sars-cov-2-genomic-consortia-insacog-launchedcoordinated-department |access-date=20 May 2021|website=Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411164007/http://dbtindia.gov.in/pressrelease/indian-sars-cov-2-genomic-consortia-insacog-launchedcoordinated-department |archive-date=11 April 2021 }}</ref>
|-
! colspan="5" style="background: #CEF2E6;" |2021
|-
|9 May
|National Task Force
|[[Devi Shetty]], [[Gagandeep Kang]], [[Naresh Trehan]], Saumitra Rawat, [[Shiv Kumar Sarin]], [[Zarir Udwadia]]
|Set up by the [[Supreme Court of India]]; "to facilitate a public health response to the pandemic based on scientific and specialised domain knowledge" and oxygen related issues.
|<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=G|first=Ananthakrishnan|date=9 May 2021|title=SC sets up task force for Covid response, oxygen audit, supply|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/sc-sets-up-12-member-task-force-for-allocation-of-oxygen-to-states-amid-rising-covid-threat-7307141/|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508120937/https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/sc-sets-up-12-member-task-force-for-allocation-of-oxygen-to-states-amid-rising-covid-threat-7307141/ |archive-date=8 May 2021 }}</ref>
|-
| colspan="5" |Others: MoHFW's National Media Rapid Response Cell (NMRRC)<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=31 December 2020|agency=PTI|title=Health ministry releases communication strategy to support Covid-19 vaccine rollout |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/health-ministry-releases-communication-strategy-to-support-covid-19-vaccine-rollout/articleshow/80046019.cms|url-status=live|access-date=4 June 2021|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231113100/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/health-ministry-releases-communication-strategy-to-support-covid-19-vaccine-rollout/articleshow/80046019.cms |archive-date=31 December 2020 }}</ref>
|}

=== Pseudoscience practices ===
Despite no scientific evidence behind the use of animal products to boost immunity against COVID-19, some individuals sought out traditional or religiously inspired methods. One such method involved scrubbing oneself in cow dung and urine, followed by rinsing off in cow milk or buttermilk on a weekly basis at cow shelters. Other methods involved consumption of cow dung and urine. Proponents of these pseudoscience preventative methods also occasionally consumed cow urine to boost immunity against SARS-CoV-2, and some Indian healthcare professionals likewise participated in these rituals. Cow dung and urine were promoted as effective treatment for COVID-19 by many religious leaders, medical professionals, other key opinion leaders, and government officials.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|journal | pmc=8239506 | year=2021 | last1=Daria | first1=S. | last2=Islam | first2=M. R. | title=The use of cow dung and urine to cure COVID-19 in India: A public health concern | journal=The International Journal of Health Planning and Management | volume=36 | issue=5 | pages=1950–1952 | doi=10.1002/hpm.3257 | pmid=34037266 }}</ref>

=== Military ===
The Indian military has supported the Indian government's response during the pandemic.<ref name="BusStdIndia-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=1 May 2021|title=This is a war, we need to win, says Lt General Madhuri Kanitkar on Covid|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/this-is-a-war-we-need-to-win-says-lt-general-madhuri-kanitkar-on-covid-121050100321_1.html|access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref> During the second wave, some of the steps taken by the Indian military to help the fight against the pandemic includes setting up of COVID facilities,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=25 April 2021|agency=PTI|title=DRDO, Gujarat govt set up 900-bed Covid-19 hospital in Ahmedabad|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/drdo-gujarat-govt-set-up-900-bed-covid-19-hospital-in-ahmedabad-11619347542644.html|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|newspaper=Mint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425121919/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/drdo-gujarat-govt-set-up-900-bed-covid-19-hospital-in-ahmedabad-11619347542644.html |archive-date=25 April 2021 }}</ref> setting up of oxygen PSA plants,<ref name="pib.gov.in-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=1 May 2021|title=Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews efforts of MoD & Armed Forces in fight against second COVID-19 wave;|url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1715366|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=pib.gov.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513003924/https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1715366 |archive-date=13 May 2021 }}</ref> providing domestic and international air and water transport assistance,<ref name="pib.gov.in-2021" /><ref name="BusStdIndia-2021" /> providing medical assistance to civilians, providing nursing assistance and truck drivers,<ref name="BusStdIndia-2021" /> providing support to centre and states as requested,<ref name="BusStdIndia-2021" /> roping in retired military medics,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Prabhu|first=Sunil|date=26 April 2021|title=Retired Military Medics Recalled To Work At Covid Facilities|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/armed-forces-medical-personnel-who-retired-in-last-2-years-being-recalled-to-work-in-covid-facilities-close-to-their-home-2422192|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426111930/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/armed-forces-medical-personnel-who-retired-in-last-2-years-being-recalled-to-work-in-covid-facilities-close-to-their-home-2422192 |archive-date=26 April 2021 }}</ref> providing manpower with specialised skills,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=29 April 2021|title=PM Modi reviews Army's preparedness, initiatives for management of spiralling Covid-19 crisis|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-reviews-army-s-preparedness-initiatives-for-management-of-spiralling-covid-19-crisis-101619683495235.html|access-date=10 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> and roping in the National Cadet Corps.<ref name="pib.gov.in-2021" /> The three armed forces were functioning under Operation CO-JEET.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=3 May 2021|title=Operation CO-JEET launched by armed forces to fight COVID-19 in India: Lt Gen Kanitkar|work=The Economic Times|agency=PTI|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/operation-co-jeet-launched-by-armed-forces-to-fight-covid-19-in-india-lt-gen-kanitkar/articleshow/82368413.cms?from=mdr|access-date=12 June 2021}}</ref> Operation Samudra Setu 1 which was officially conducted between 5 May 2020 and 8 July 2020 and focused on repatriation; and Samudra Setu 2 in 2021 focused on oxygen related transport.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Bajwa|first=Mandeep Singh|date=19 July 2020|title=Military Digest {{!}} Detailed Order of Battle: Chinese Forces in Eastern Ladakh|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/military-digest-detailed-order-of-battle-chinese-forces-in-eastern-ladakh-6513871/|url-status=live|access-date=12 June 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719194936/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/military-digest-detailed-order-of-battle-chinese-forces-in-eastern-ladakh-6513871/ |archive-date=19 July 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Bhalla|first=Abhishek|date=2 May 2021|title=Indian Navy launches operation Samudra Setu-II to bring medical oxygen from abroad|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/indian-navy-launches-operation-samudra-setu-ii-to-bring-medical-oxygen-from-abroad-1797073-2021-05-02|url-status=live|access-date=12 June 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501201859/https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/indian-navy-launches-operation-samudra-setu-ii-to-bring-medical-oxygen-from-abroad-1797073-2021-05-02 |archive-date=1 May 2021 }}</ref>

=== Private sector ===
In March–April 2020, several companies and organisations donated masks and other pandemic related supplies.<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/technology/coronavirus-outbreak-vivo-to-donate-1-lakh-protective-masks-to-maharashtra-govt-xiaomi-suspends-local-manufacturing/1909019/|title=Coronavirus outbreak: Vivo to donate 1 lakh protective masks to Maharashtra Govt, Xiaomi suspends local manufacturing|work=The Financial Express|date=25 March 2020 }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://auto.ndtv.com/news/coronavirus-lockdown-hyundai-orders-advanced-covid-19-testing-kits-for-india-2202063|title=Coronavirus Lockdown: Hyundai India Orders Advanced COVID-19 Testing Kits From Korea|website=CarandBike|access-date=28 March 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|title=IIT Hyderabad provides 100 litres of hand-sanitiser everyday to combat Covid-19|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/iit-hyderabad-provides-100-litres-of-hand-sanitiser-everyday-to-combat-covid-19/articleshow/75069955.cms|website=The Times of India|date=9 April 2020 |access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> Several large business groups contributed to the [[PM CARES Fund]].<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Tata Sons' Rs 1,000 cr top-up takes group coronavirus fund to Rs 1,500 cr – India's biggest|work=Business Today|date=28 March 2020 |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/tata-sons-announces-additional-rs-1000-crore-support-towards-coronavirus-fund/story/399506.html|access-date=2 April 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Azim Premji's foundation, Wipro commit Rs 1,125 crore as India battles with coronavirus|work=The Financial Express|date=April 2020 |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/azim-premjis-foundation-wipro-commit-rs-1125-crore-as-india-battles-with-coronavirus/1916114/|access-date=2 April 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Coronavirus Outbreak: Reliance Industries announces Rs 500 crore contribution to PM-CARES fund|work=Firstpost|date=30 March 2020 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/health/coronavirus-outbreak-reliance-industries-announces-rs-500-crore-contribution-to-pm-cares-fund-8207531.html|access-date=2 April 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Covid-19: Aditya Birla Group donates Rs 500 crores in PM-CARES fund|work=India Today|date=4 April 2020 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/covid-19-aditya-birla-group-donates-rs-500-crores-in-pm-cares-fund-1663117-2020-04-04|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Leading Indian corporates have come forward to provide support to hospitals across the country.<ref name=pathakk >{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Pathak|first1=Kalpana|last2=Tandon|first2=Suneera|date=27 April 2021|title=India Inc steps up effort to fight pandemic|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-inc-steps-up-effort-to-fight-pandemic-11619526040415.html|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=mint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427125137/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-inc-steps-up-effort-to-fight-pandemic-11619526040415.html |archive-date=27 April 2021 }}</ref> This includes procuring, setting up and maintaining cryogenic tanks, medical equipment and ventilators.<ref name=pathakk /> Business leaders in India have also set up COVID-19 facilities.<ref name="mint-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=9 May 2021|title=From Amazon to Tata, Reliance to Vedanta, industry steps up to combat COVID|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/from-amazon-to-tata-reliance-to-vedanta-industry-steps-up-to-combat-covid-11620556438727.html|access-date=10 May 2021|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> The chief executive officers of 40 US companies set up a global task force to collaborate on procuring equipment to support India.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=27 April 2021|title=CEOs of 40 US companies create global task force to help India fight COVID-19|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ceos-of-40-us-companies-create-global-task-force-to-help-india-fight-covid19-11619490366571.html|access-date=10 May 2021|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> Ola is providing doorstep delivery of medical oxygen.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=10 May 2021|title=Ola to start doorstep delivery of oxygen concentrators to consumers|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/ola-start-doorstep-delivery-of-oxygen-concentrators-7309601/|access-date=10 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

=== International ===
==== International support ====

The Indian government provided around 65.5&nbsp;million doses of covid vaccines to 95 countries between 20 January 2021 and late March 2021. 10.5&nbsp;million doses were gifted while the remaining were commercial and [[COVAX]] obligations.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=20 May 2021|title=Vaccine Supply (Made-in-India COVID19 vaccine supplies so far)|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/vaccine-supply.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521062624/https://www.mea.gov.in/vaccine-supply.htm|archive-date=21 May 2021|access-date=21 May 2021|website=Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India}}</ref> [[File:Countries which have provided support to India during India's second covid wave 2021 April May.png|thumb|255x255px|International support to India during the second wave]]
International support has been provided to India since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.<ref name="USAID-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=7 May 2021|title=United States Airlifts Emergency Supplies to Help India Address Deadly Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic|url=https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/apr-28-2021-united-states-airlifts-emergency-supplies-to-help-india-address-deadly-second-wave-of-covid-19-pandemic|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428234526/https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/apr-28-2021-united-states-airlifts-emergency-supplies-to-help-india-address-deadly-second-wave-of-covid-19-pandemic |archive-date=28 April 2021 }}</ref> In late April 2021, international relief being transported to India increased.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Laskar|first=Rezaul H|date=29 April 2021|title='Over 40 countries to help India in fight against Covid-19': Harsh Shringla|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/over-40-countries-to-help-india-in-fight-against-covid-foreign-secy-101619693442573.html|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105053/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/over-40-countries-to-help-india-in-fight-against-covid-foreign-secy-101619693442573.html |archive-date=29 April 2021 }}</ref> European countries such as France, Ireland, Belgium, Romania, Luxembourg, Portugal and Sweden sent pandemic related aid such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators and medicines.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=27 April 2021|title=Coronavirus: EU channels critical support to India via EU Civil Protection Mechanism|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=European Commission|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621200951/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |archive-date=21 June 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |last=Ives |first=Mike |date=2021-11-17 |title=How to Help India Amid the Covid Crisis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/india-covid-how-to-help.html |access-date=2025-06-20 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> France and Germany also sent oxygen plants; Germany also sent 12 army paramedics to operate the plants.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Basu|first=Nayanima|date=4 May 2021|title=Germany sending 'massive' oxygen plant, 12 army paramedics to operate it, envoy Lindner says|url=https://theprint.in/health/germany-sending-massive-oxygen-plant-12-army-paramedics-to-operate-it-envoy-lindner-says/652221/|access-date=10 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=9 May 2021|agency=PTI|title=Delhi Gets 3 Out Of 21 Oxygen Plants From France|url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-gets-3-out-of-21-oxygen-plants-from-france-2438028|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|work=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509011222/https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-gets-3-out-of-21-oxygen-plants-from-france-2438028 |archive-date=9 May 2021 }}</ref> Oxygen related equipment was shipped from Bahrain, Thailand, Singapore,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=30 April 2021|title=IAF conducts 160 sorties to facilitate oxygen supply across India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-conducts-160-sorties-to-facilitate-oxygen-supply-across-india/articleshow/82328792.cms|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430140837/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-conducts-160-sorties-to-facilitate-oxygen-supply-across-india/articleshow/82328792.cms |archive-date=30 April 2021 }}</ref> Saudi Arabia<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Quito|first=Anne|date=25 April 2021|title=The world is starting to grasp the true toll of India's Covid-19 crisis|url=https://qz.com/2001157/a-list-of-countries-helping-india-through-its-covid-19-crisis/|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=Quartz|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425164137/https://qz.com/2001157/a-list-of-countries-helping-india-through-its-covid-19-crisis/ |archive-date=25 April 2021 }}</ref> and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-56898654|title = India Covid: First UK aid arrives as coronavirus deaths mount|work = BBC News|date = 27 April 2021}}</ref> Russia, United States of America and UNICEF sent various relief material including oxygen producing units.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=29 April 2021|title=Russia sends 22 tonnes of Covid relief material to help India fight Covid-19|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/russia-sends-22-tonnes-of-covid-relief-material-to-help-india-fight-covid-19/|access-date=10 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name="USAID-2021" /><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=29 April 2021|title=UNICEF sends 3,000 oxygen concentrators and other critical supplies to India as country battles deadly COVID-19 surge|url=https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-sends-3000-oxygen-concentrators-and-other-critical-supplies-india-country|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=unicef.org|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429173908/https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-sends-3000-oxygen-concentrators-and-other-critical-supplies-india-country |archive-date=29 April 2021 }}</ref> In April 2021 [[Taiwan]] sent 150 oxygen machines to India. The oxygen machines had been purchased by the Taiwanese government and modified for India's electrical voltage.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Madjar|first1=Kayleigh|title=Nation sends oxygen machines to India|url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2021/04/30/2003756578|access-date=2 May 2021|work=Taipei Times|date=30 April 2021}}</ref> Other countries to have provided support include Bhutan,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=27 April 2021|title=Bhutan to supply liquid oxygen to India to help combat Covid crisis|url=https://theprint.in/diplomacy/bhutan-to-supply-liquid-oxygen-to-india-to-help-combat-covid-crisis/647063/|access-date=10 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> Bangladesh,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Bhattacherjee|first=Kallol|date=6 May 2021|title=Coronavirus {{!}} Bangladesh gifts India 10,000 Remdesivir vials|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-bangladesh-gifts-india-10000-remdesivir-vials/article34499574.ece|access-date=10 May 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Kuwait,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=17 May 2021|title=Kuwait sends emergency supplies of liquid oxygen to India as COVID-19 cases surge|url=https://arab.news/4tgyz|access-date=20 May 2021|website=Arab News|language=en}}</ref> Kenya,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=30 May 2021|agency=PTI|title=Kenya Covid-19 relief India: Kenya donates 12 tonnes of food products to India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/covid-19-relief-kenya-donates-12-tonnes-of-food-products-to-india/articleshow/83083365.cms|url-status=live|access-date=1 June 2021|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530072324/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/covid-19-relief-kenya-donates-12-tonnes-of-food-products-to-india/articleshow/83083365.cms |archive-date=30 May 2021 }}</ref> Turkiye, Switzerland, Poland, Netherlands and Israel.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|agency=PTI|date=8 May 2021|title=India received 2,060 oxygen concentrators, three oxygen generation plants as foreign aid|language=en-IN|newspaper=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-received-2060-oxygen-concentrators-three-oxygen-generation-plants-as-foreign-aid/article34514965.ece|access-date=10 May 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On 5 May 2021, Indian External Affairs Minister said that "What you describe as aid, we call friendship" in response to foreign support during the pandemic.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=5 May 2021|title='COVID-19 shared problem; what you call aid, we call friendship': EAM S Jaishankar|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/covid-19-shared-problem-what-you-call-aid-we-call-friendship-eam-s-jaishankar/story/438289.html|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=businesstoday.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505045042/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/covid-19-shared-problem-what-you-call-aid-we-call-friendship-eam-s-jaishankar/story/438289.html |archive-date=5 May 2021 }}</ref> On 16 April, China sent 650,000 testing kits to India,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Chaudhury|first=Dipanjan Roy|date=16 April 2020|title=China dispatches 650,000 medical kits to India to fight COVID-19: Indian envoy|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/china-dispatches-650000-medical-kits-to-india-to-fight-covid-19-indian-envoy/articleshow/75174658.cms?from=mdr |access-date=16 April 2020|website=The Economic Times}}</ref> but their use was discontinued in view of a very low accuracy.<ref name="BBCNews-2020" /><ref name="Porecha-2020" />

There were international concerns related to how the support being sent to India is being used.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Hunter|first=Jack|date=6 May 2021|title=India Covid aid: Is emergency relief reaching those in need?|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56999104|access-date=5 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Department Press Briefing – April 30, 2021|url=https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-april-30-2021/|url-status=live|access-date=5 June 2021|website=United States Department of State|language=en-US|quote=We are sending these planeloads of material to India. But our journalist in Delhi is reporting that even after trying for two days he's been unable to find out who is taking away the oxygen concentration, medicines, or how much is arriving. There's no website or transparent system where people can apply to get this. So this accountability for the U.S. taxpayers' money being sent, is there anything being done to check on how it is being distributed, the aid that we are sending?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430230644/https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-april-30-2021/ |archive-date=30 April 2021 }}</ref> By 5 May India had received {{formatnum:5769442}} items in aid.<ref name="Scroll.in-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=14 May 2021|title=India got over 57 lakh foreign aid items till May 4 but 3 lakh items not sent out till May 6: Report|url=https://scroll.in/latest/994942/india-got-over-57-lakh-covid-foreign-aid-till-may-4-but-3-lakh-items-not-sent-out-till-may-6-report|url-status=live|access-date=5 June 2021|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183847/https://scroll.in/latest/994942/india-got-over-57-lakh-covid-foreign-aid-till-may-4-but-3-lakh-items-not-sent-out-till-may-6-report |archive-date=14 May 2021 }}</ref> Support between 27 April and 14 May included "10,796 oxygen concentrators, 12,269 oxygen cylinders; 19 oxygen generation plants; 6,497 ventilators, more than 4.2 lakh Remdesivir vials".<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=14 May 2021|title=COVID Relief: Here is the full list of foreign aid dispatched to states/UTs|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-relief-here-is-the-full-list-of-international-aid-india-received-in-last-2-weeks-11620995781917.html|url-status=live|access-date=5 June 2021|website=mint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514131541/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-relief-here-is-the-full-list-of-international-aid-india-received-in-last-2-weeks-11620995781917.html |archive-date=14 May 2021 }}</ref> The government released the institutions and the states to which the support had been sent.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=5 May 2021|title=How foreign aid to fight COVID-19 in India is being allocated to different states. Equitable distribution to states.|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/how-foreign-aid-to-fight-covid-19-in-india-is-being-allocated-to-different-states/indian-red-cross-societys-role/slideshow/82404339.cms|url-status=live|access-date=5 June 2021|website=The Economic Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605143526/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/how-foreign-aid-to-fight-covid-19-in-india-is-being-allocated-to-different-states/indian-red-cross-societys-role/slideshow/82404339.cms |archive-date=5 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Chatterji|first=Saubhadra|date=9 May 2021|title=Delhi given large part of foreign aid: Data|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-given-large-part-of-foreign-aid-data-101620498909719.html|url-status=live|access-date=5 June 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508210655/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-given-large-part-of-foreign-aid-data-101620498909719.html |archive-date=8 May 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Scroll.in-2021" />

=== Response shortages and criticism ===
The role of the [[National Centre for Disease Control]] during the COVID-19 pandemic has been questioned including the subdued sharing of data collected by the IDSP.<ref name="Krishnan">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Krishnan|first=Vidya|date=12 May 2020|title=Epidemiologists say India's centre for disease control withheld COVID-19 data since pandemic began|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/health/epidemiologists-say-india-centre-disease-control-withheld-covid-19-data-since-pandemic-began|url-status=live|access-date=23 May 2021|website=The Caravan|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515173255/https://caravanmagazine.in/health/epidemiologists-say-india-centre-disease-control-withheld-covid-19-data-since-pandemic-began |archive-date=15 May 2020 }}</ref> [[Disease surveillance]] in India through IDSP faces perpetual shortage of funds and manpower resulting in a weak nationwide data collection system.<ref name="Bhatia">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Bhatia|first1=Surbhi|last2=Alexander|first2=Sneha|date=29 March 2020|title=Covid-19 shows why we need a healthcare reboot for India|url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/policy/will-covid-19-prompt-health-reboot-11585497828527.html|url-status=live|access-date=23 May 2021|website=mint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331051156/https://www.livemint.com/politics/policy/will-covid-19-prompt-health-reboot-11585497828527.html |archive-date=31 March 2020 }}</ref> The IDSP does not track deaths taking place outside hospitals,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Krishnan|first=Murali|date=26 April 2021|title=Coronavirus: Is India counting all COVID deaths?|url=https://www.dw.com/en/india-coronavirus-death-toll/a-57338733|url-status=live|access-date=23 May 2021|website=DW|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426141630/https://www.dw.com/en/india-coronavirus-death-toll/a-57338733 |archive-date=26 April 2021 }}</ref> or deaths due to COVID-19 of those not tested,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|journal|last=Chatterjee|first=Patralekha|date=5 September 2020|title=Is India missing COVID-19 deaths?|journal=The Lancet|language=English|volume=396|issue=10252|page=657|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31857-2|issn=0140-6736|pmid=32891197|pmc=7470692}}</ref> one of the many reasons under-counting is built into the system. The lack of [[epidemiologists]] in senior decision-making positions of COVID-19 related committees has been evident,<ref name="Krishnan" /> including the absence of state-level epidemiologists in a number of states.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Bhardwaj|first=Deeksha|date=10 April 2020|title=Covid-19 crisis: States asked to fill 227 vacancies for epidemiologists|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-19-crisis-states-asked-to-fill-227-vacancies-for-epidemiologists/story-2Ggqep9XeGEezpXQgK2tsL.html|url-status=live|access-date=23 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410075152/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-19-crisis-states-asked-to-fill-227-vacancies-for-epidemiologists/story-2Ggqep9XeGEezpXQgK2tsL.html |archive-date=10 April 2020 }}</ref> In April 2020, the health ministry asked states to go on a hiring spree and fill vacancies for epidemiologists.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Varshney|first=Vibha|date=24 July 2021|title=India's mysterious diseases: What is NCDC doing?|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/india-s-mysterious-diseases-what-is-ncdc-doing--72473|url-status=live|access-date=23 May 2021|website=Down to Earth|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823065922/https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/india-s-mysterious-diseases-what-is-ncdc-doing--72473 |archive-date=23 August 2020 }}</ref> [[Indian Council of Medical Research]] has been criticised for did not updating the "treatment protocol for COVID-19" between July 2020 and April 2021.<ref name="Krishnan-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Krishnan|first=Vidya|date=22 April 2021|title=India's COVID-19 taskforce did not meet in February, March despite surge, say members|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/health/india-covid-19-taskforce-did-not-meet-february-march-despite-surge-say-members|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=The Caravan|language=en|quote=Another significant lapse, the members told me, the Indian Council of Medical Research's failure to update the treatment protocol for COVID-19 in the past nine months, since July 2020.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422115836/https://caravanmagazine.in/health/india-covid-19-taskforce-did-not-meet-february-march-despite-surge-say-members |archive-date=22 April 2021 }}</ref> The "National Task Force for COVID-19" did not meet during February and March despite members claiming it was obvious a second wave was in the making.<ref name="Krishnan-2021" /> A number of warnings pertaining to a surge in cases in March, shortages in life-saving equipment and a second wave were downsized and went unheeded.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Rampal|first=Nikhil|date=12 May 2021|title=Why India's second wave has been deadlier, explained in five charts|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/why-india-s-second-wave-has-been-deadlier-in-five-charts-11620799582212.html|access-date=23 May 2021|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> A number of problems were found with the forecasting and modelling by the National COVID-19 Supermodel Committee by independent commentators.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Menon|first=Gautam I.|date=24 October 2020|title=Problems with the Indian supermodel for COVID-19|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/problems-with-the-indian-supermodel-for-covid-19/article32937184.ece|access-date=20 May 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In early May 2021, the committee said that they had not been able to predict the second wave accurately.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=4 May 2021|title=Couldn't predict exact nature of second Covid wave: Supermodel Committee|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/couldn-t-predict-exact-nature-of-second-covid-wave-supermodel-committee-121050400673_1.html|access-date=20 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Banaji|first=Murad|date=14 May 2021|title=Flawed science propped up India's second COVID-19 wave|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/health/scientific-uncertainties-wea-institutions-and-nationalis-led-to-covid19-devastation|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=The Caravan|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514082501/https://caravanmagazine.in/health/scientific-uncertainties-wea-institutions-and-nationalis-led-to-covid19-devastation |archive-date=14 May 2021 }}</ref> A lot of problems with India's failing response to the second wave was the general and long term issues of the [[public health system in India]].<ref name="Bhatia" />

== Evacuations by India related to the COVID-19 pandemic ==

Throughout the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the central and state governments of [[India]] coordinated numerous international and domestic evacuations.

=== Background ===

==== COVID-19 pandemic ====
[[SARS-CoV-2]] was first identified in the city of [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei]], [[China]] in mid-December 2019, when a group of people developed a [[pneumonia]] without clear causes, and existing treatments were found to be ineffective. [[SARS-CoV-2]] has similar characteristics to [[severe acute respiratory syndrome]] (SARS) and [[Middle East respiratory syndrome]] (MERS), with the resulting disease being named [[COVID-19]]. Within a number of weeks, several thousand people in [[Hubei]]'s provincial capital of Wuhan were infected, and the Chinese central government imposed strict containment measures, including a [[2020 Hubei lockdowns|lockdown of Hubei]] itself.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Feng|first=Emily|date=13 January 2021|title=Province In China On Lockdown After Biggest Coronavirus Spike In Months|language=en|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/01/13/956282429/province-in-china-on-lockdown-after-biggest-coronavirus-spike-in-months|access-date=2 October 2021}}</ref>

As the virus spread worldwide, more countries also instilled their own [[COVID-19 lockdowns|lockdowns]] and put [[Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic|travel restrictions]] into place. In response, many nations [[Evacuations related to the COVID-19 pandemic|evacuated]] their citizens as well as other nationals to transport them home. India was no exception: to control the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, all visas were suspended from 13 March<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=India suspends visas in attempt to contain coronavirus spread|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/india-suspends-visas-attempt-coronavirus-spread-200312035057594.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=12 March 2020}}</ref> and international flights were suspended nine days later from 22 March.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHA%20order%20dt%2015.04.2020%2C%20with%20Revised%20Consolidated%20Guidelines_compressed%20%283%29.pdf|title=MHA order dt 15 April 2020, with Revised Consolidated Guidelines|date=15 April 2020|website=Govt of India, Ministry of Home Affairs|access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref> India had started a [[COVID-19 lockdown in India|national lockdown]] on 25 March, which restricted the movement of people in the country.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Hebbar|first=Nistula|date=24 March 2020|title=PM Modi announces 21-day lockdown as COVID-19 toll touches 12|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-announces-21-day-lockdown-as-covid-19-toll-touches-10/article31156691.ece|access-date=2 October 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==== Migration ====
{{See also|Indian migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic}}
The [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|Indian diaspora]] is the largest in the world, with the UN estimating their size at 17.5 million in 2019.<ref name=bharatmig1>{{#invoke:Cite|web |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/diaspora/at-17-5-million-indian-diaspora-largest-in-world-says-un-report/834498.html |title=At 17.5 million, Indian diaspora largest in world, says UN report |website=The Tribune (India)}}</ref> The [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]] has higher figures, with the number of Non-resident Indians or NRIs (Indian citizens who do not live in the country on a regular-enough basis to pay income tax) alone being over 13 million.<ref name="mea.gov.in">{{#invoke:Cite|web |url=http://mea.gov.in/images/attach/NRIs-and-PIOs_1.pdf |title=Population of Overseas Indians |publisher=[[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]] |date=31 December 2018 |access-date= 18 April 2019}}</ref> In addition, India also has a substantial population of internal migrant workers, with [[Reuters]] estimating that there are 100 million such workers.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|access-date=10 May 2020|title=As migrant workers struggle for lockdown aid, India seeks to count them|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-india-migrants-fea-idUSKCN22B005|work=Reuters|date=29 April 2020}}</ref>

==== Previous evacuations ====
India has conducted several large-scale evacuations in modern times, particularly in the [[Middle East]] where there is a high concentration of Indians and several conflicts in recent history.<ref name="BusStand">{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Sukanya|last1=Roy|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Seven major evacuation operations conducted in India's history|url=https://www.business-standard.com/podcast/current-affairs/seven-major-evacuation-operations-conducted-in-india-s-history-120050601535_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=6 May 2020}}</ref> The [[1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait]] has been recognized as the world's largest civilian airlift, with over 110,000 people evacuated.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web | author=Rohan Venkataramakrishnan | title= The Berlin airlift was remarkable, but the largest civilian evacuation in history is by India| website=Scroll.in | date= 2 July 2014| url=http://scroll.in/article/668866/the-berlin-airlift-during-ww-ii-was-remarkable-but-the-largest-civilian-airlift-was-by-india | access-date=11 April 2015}}</ref> Domestically, [[Operation Rahat]], which the [[Indian Air Force]] claimed was the biggest civilian helicopter evacuation ever,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/interviews/Rahat-is-the-biggest-rescue-operation-by-air-force-helicopters-Rajesh-Isser/articleshow/20916833.cms |title=Rahat is the biggest rescue operation by air force helicopters: Rajesh Isser|work=The Times of India|access-date= 5 July 2013|date=5 July 2013}}</ref> airlifted over 19,600 people from [[Uttarakhand]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]] during the [[2013 North India floods]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/iaf-now-gearing-up-to-rebuild-uttarakhand/article4883035.ece|title=IAF now gearing up to rebuild Uttarakhand|work=The Times of India|access-date= 5 July 2013|date=5 July 2013}}</ref>

=== International ===
==== January–April 2020 ====
After the lockdown in [[Hubei]], the government owned [[flag carrier]] [[Air India]] flew to [[Wuhan]] to evacuate Indian citizens, particularly students, stranded there. As cases spiked in [[Italy]] and [[Iran]], the latter country of which some pilgrims had been stuck in, efforts were shifted to evacuate Indians from [[Milan]] (where Air India already flew before the pandemic) and Iranian cities. These flights were free for passengers.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Govt Paid to Evacuate Indians Stranded Abroad, But Migrant Workers Have to Bear Own Train Fare to Return Home|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/while-indians-stranded-abroad-pay-nothing-for-evacuation-it-costs-migrant-workers-to-return-home-2603091.html|date=4 May 2020|website=News18}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! style="width: 10%" | Departure date
! style="width: 10%;" | Evacuees
! style="width: 10%;" class="unsortable" | Nationalities{{efn|If all passengers were Indian nationals, no other note is made.}}
! style="width: 18%;" | Departure airport
! style="width: 18%;" | Arrival airport
! style="width: 34%;" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|1 February 2020
|324
|{{Flagicon|IND}}324
| rowspan="3" |{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Wuhan Tianhe International Airport]]
| rowspan="4" |[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]
|This was India's first evacuation flight.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-outbreak-air-india-flight-evacuating-324-indians-from-chinas-wuhan-land-in-delhi/article30709431.ece |title=Coronavirus outbreak: Air India flight evacuating 324 Indians from China's Wuhan lands in Delhi |date=1 February 2020 |work=The Hindu |access-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201195318/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-outbreak-air-india-flight-evacuating-324-indians-from-chinas-wuhan-land-in-delhi/article30709431.ece |archive-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> There were three minors, 211 students and 110 working professionals, and the flight was operated by [[Air India]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://scroll.in/video/951794/its-empty-air-india-crews-first-reaction-to-landing-in-wuhan-airport-in-china-for-evacuation|title='It's empty': Air India crew's first reaction to landing in Wuhan airport in China for evacuation|date=1 February 2020|work=scroll|access-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202175816/https://scroll.in/video/951794/its-empty-air-india-crews-first-reaction-to-landing-in-wuhan-airport-in-china-for-evacuation|archive-date=2 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/324-indians-leave-coronvirus-hit-wuhan-in-air-india-flight/article30707329.ece|title=Coronovirus outbreak: People flown in from China quarantined|date=1 February 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204043752/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/324-indians-leave-coronvirus-hit-wuhan-in-air-india-flight/article30707329.ece|archive-date=4 February 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 2 February 2020
|330
|{{flagicon|IND}} 323<br />{{flagicon|MDV}} 7
|This was India's second flight. All passengers were quarantined in [[Delhi]] and [[Manesar]], Haryana.<ref name="hindustantimes1">{{#invoke:Cite|news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-airlifts-second-batch-of-323-citizens-from-china-s-coronavirus-hit-wuhan/story-s1Zq2SDohOJnIAvegIASQJ.html |title=323 Indians evacuated by AI flight from coronavirus-hit Wuhan arrive in Delhi |date=2 February 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202045018/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-airlifts-second-batch-of-323-citizens-from-china-s-coronavirus-hit-wuhan/story-s1Zq2SDohOJnIAvegIASQJ.html |archive-date=2 February 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 27 February 2020
|111
|{{Flagicon|IND}} 76<br />{{Flagicon|BAN}} 23<br />{{Flagicon|CHN}} 6<br />{{Flagicon|MMR}} 2<br />{{Flagicon|MDV}} 2<br />{{Flagicon|ZAF}} 1<br />{{Flagicon|USA}} 1<br />{{Flagicon|MDG}} 1
|This was the third evacuation flight sent by India to [[Wuhan]]. India also provided 15 tonnes of medical assistance comprising masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment to [[China]] through the same [[Indian Air Force]] flight.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Chaudhury|first1=Dipanjan Roy|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-india-brings-back-36-foreigners-and-76-nationals-from-wuhan/articleshow/74328899.cms|title=Coronavirus: India brings back 36 foreigners and 76 nationals from Wuhan|date=27 February 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iaf-air-india-flights-evacuate-indians-foreigners-wuhan-japan-ship-1650379-2020-02-27|title=IAF evacuates 112 from coronavirus-hit Wuhan; Air India repatriates Indian crew from cruise ship|date=27 February 2020|website=India Today|access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 27 February 2020
|124
|{{Flagicon|IND}} 119<br />{{Flagicon|LKA}} 2<br />{{Flagicon|NPL}} 1<br />{{Flagicon|ZAF}} 1<br />{{Flagicon|PER}} 1
|{{Flagicon|JPN}} [[Tokyo]] <small>[[Narita International Airport]]</small>
|This flight mostly had crew members of the [[Diamond Princess (ship)|Diamond Princess]] as passengers.<ref name="indiatoday.in">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iaf-air-india-flights-evacuate-indians-foreigners-wuhan-japan-ship-1650379-2020-02-27|title=IAF evacuates 112 from coronavirus-hit Wuhan; Air India repatriates Indian crew from cruise ship|website=India Today|date=27 February 2020 |access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 10 March 2020
|58
|{{Flagicon|IND}}58
|{{Flagicon|IRN}} [[Tehran]] (unknown airport) 
|[[Hindon Airport]]
|The [[Indian Air Force]] used a [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 Globemaster]] transport aircraft to evacuate Indian pilgrims from [[Iran]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-air-force-to-fly-c-17-globemaster-to-evacuate-indians-from-coronavirus-affected-iran-1654005-2020-03-09|title=Coronavirus: IAF's C-17 Globemaster takes flight from Hindon airport to evacuate Indians from Iran|website=India Today|date=9 March 2020 |access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 11 March 2020
|83
|{{Flagicon|IND}} 74<br />{{Flagicon|ITA}} 6<br />{{Flagicon|USA}} 3
| rowspan="2" |{{Flagicon|ITA}} [[Milan Malpensa Airport]]
|Indira Gandhi International Airport
|The flight was operated by Air India. All the non-Indian citizens were of Indian origin. All evacuees were placed under quarantine for 14 days.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Negi|first1=Manjeet|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-83-evacuated-from-italy-put-in-army-s-manesar-quarantine-facility-1654529-2020-03-11|title=Coronavirus: 83 evacuated from Italy, put in Army's Manesar quarantine facility|work=India Today|date=11 March 2020 |access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 15 March 2020
|218
|{{Flagicon|IND}}218
|Indira Gandhi International Airport
|Air India operated the flight. The evacuees brought to [[New Delhi]] will be shifted to [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]]'s camp in [[Chhawla]] area where they will be quarantined for 14 days.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/218-indians-from-coronavirus-hit-italy-land-in-delhi-will-be-quarantined-for-14-days/story-vYY3hbhcVC6F8wCW8kScGN.html|title=218 Indians from coronavirus-hit Italy land in Delhi, will be quarantined for 14 days|date=15 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 15 March 2020
|234
|{{Flagicon|IND}}234
|{{Flagicon|IRN}} <small>[[Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport]]</small>
|[[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport]]
|131 students and 103 pilgrims, among others, were evacuated from [[Iran]] on a [[Mahan Air]] flight organized by the Indian Embassy. They were quarantined for 14 days in [[Indian Army]]'s wellness centre facility in [[Jaisalmer]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/covid-19-234-indians-stranded-in-coronavirus-hit-iran-arrive-in-india/story-HePm2t2E3DYh2fZe1DfgIM.html|title=Covid-19: 234 Indians from coronavirus-hit Iran reach India|date=15 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indians-brought-back-from-iran-reach-jaisalmer-coronavirus-quarantine-camp/story-TQ3PGtg97fgWQ9W9c1RXoJ.html|title=Indians brought back from Iran reach Jaisalmer coronavirus quarantine camp|date=15 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 16 March 2020
|53
|{{Flagicon|IND}}53
|{{Flagicon|IRN}} [[Tehran]] and [[Shiraz]]
[[Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport|<small>Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport</small>]]
|[[Jaisalmer Airport]]
|52 students and 1 teacher were evacuated by Air India and were then quarantined at an Army Wellness Centre in [[Jaisalmer]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-another-batch-of-53-indians-from-iran-arrives-to-be-moved-to-army-facility-in-jaisalmer-1655870-2020-03-16|title=Coronavirus: Another batch of 53 stranded in Iran return home, moved to Army facility in Jaisalmer|website=India Today|date=16 March 2020 |access-date=16 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 22 March 2020
|263
|{{Flagicon|IND}}263
|{{Flagicon|ITA}} [[Rome]] [[Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport]]
|Indira Gandhi International Airport
|Evacuated by Air India from [[Rome|Rome, Italy]], and then were quarantined at Indo-Tibetan Border Police's camp near [[Delhi]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: 263 Indians evacuated from Italy sent to ITBP quarantine|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-263-indians-evacuated-from-italy-sent-to-itbp-quarantine/articleshow/74756441.cms|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
| 29 March 2020
|275
|{{Flagicon|IND}}275
|{{Flagicon|IRN}} [[Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport|<small>Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport</small>]]
|[[Jodhpur Airport]]
|After preliminary screening, they were quarantined at Army Wellness Centre [[Jodhpur]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=29 March 2020|title=Another batch of 275 Indians evacuated from Iran reach Jodhpur|work=India Today|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/another-batch-of-275-indians-evacuated-from-iran-reach-jodhpur-1660895-2020-03-29|access-date=30 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|}

==== May 2020–present: Vande Bharat Mission ====
The [[Government of India|Indian government]] initiated a massive evacuation program called "Vande Bharat Mission" on 7 May 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Pankhuri|last1=Yadav|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Mission to bring back Indians starts  |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/mission-to-bring-back-indians-starts/articleshow/75611289.cms|website=The Times of India|date=8 May 2020 }}</ref> This involved flights via [[Air India]] and its low-cost arm [[Air India Express]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|access-date=30 May 2020|title=Watch {{!}} All about Vande Bharat Mission|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/vande-bharat-mission-indias-repatriation-operation-to-bring-back-stranded-indians/article31548550.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=10 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In the first three phases of the mission, the government did not allow private airlines to participate, though they have been allowed to participate in the fourth phase onwards. The government continues to set the fare, determine the routes and decide the number of flights.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |title=Private airlines to play key role in Vande Bharat Phase 4 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jun/30/pvt-airlines-to-play-key-role-in-vande-bharat-phase-4-2163248.html |website=The New Indian Express |date=30 June 2020 |access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref>

Over 67,000 evacuation requests were registered by [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|MEA]] by 8 May;<ref name="HinduP2" /> twenty days later, the number of registrations had increased to over 300,000. It was initially predicted that the total number of civilians evacuated could surpass the [[Kuwait]] airlift, with estimates ranging from 192,000 to 250,000.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=10 May 2020|title=India to launch largest overseas evacuation since Independence to bring back 1.92 lakh stranded nationals|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/india-to-launch-largest-overseas-evacuation-since-independence-to-bring-back-1-92-lakh-stranded-nationals-2281187.html|date=5 May 2020|website=Zee News}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Indian Covid-19 repatriation operation under way|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52555432|work=BBC News|date=7 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="BusStand" /> On 6 August, the MEA declared that almost 950,000 Indians were repatriated.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=10 August 2020|title=Nearly 9.5 lakh Indians return under Vande Bharat Mission: MEA|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nearly-9-5-lakh-indians-return-under-vande-bharat-mission-mea/story-8MrEitnPhKQaIvR0jc5qCO.html|date=6 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

As well as evacuating Indian nationals back to the country, certain flights will also evacuate anyone who wants to leave, provided they are a national, permanent resident, or have a visa valid for at least one year.<ref name="NYTIndia" /> Unlike previous evacuations, passengers have to pay for their journey, with fares ranging from {{INRConvert|15|k}} for the Gulf states to {{INRConvert|100|k}} for the [[United States]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Vande Bharat Mission: 8 flights from 7 countries to land in India today|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vande-bharat-mission-8-flights-from-7-countries-to-land-in-india-today/story-u8IeBgIDzlHkXsOESf0HhN.html|date=9 May 2020|newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

==== Phase I ====

Phase one, which was conducted from 7–17 May, mostly targeted areas with high concentrations of Indians. It was predicted that this phase would feature a total of 64 flights, half of which were for the [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Gulf states]], as well as two naval ships for Indians in the [[Maldives]] under the label "Samudra Setu" (Sea Bridge).<ref name="NYTIndia">{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Jeffrey|last1=Gettleman|first2=Sameer|last2=Yasir|access-date=9 May 2020|title=India Starts Bringing Home Hundreds of Thousands Stranded Amid Coronavirus|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/08/world/asia/india-coronavirus-repatriation.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=8 May 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Suhasini|last1=Haidar|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Coronavirus lockdown {{!}} Nod for return of stranded Indians|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-lockdown-nod-for-return-of-stranded-indians/article31504932.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=4 May 2020|location=New Delhi|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Vande Bharat Mission: Operation Samudra Setu launched to evacuate Indians|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/vande-bharat-mission-operation-samudra-setu-launched-to-evacuate-indians/1949693/|date=6 May 2020}}</ref> The [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|MEA]] gave a higher number of 84 flights, which may have been due to counting domestic connections on the same plane as a separate flight. As of 15 May, [[All India Radio]] reported that 56 flights had been conducted.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=56 flights bring Indians from 12 countries so far under Vande Bharat Mission; INS Jalashwa to sail again from Maldives to ferry 700 Kerala, Lakshadweep residents|url=http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?title=56-flights-bring-Indians-from-12-countries-so-far-under-Vande-Bharat-Mission%253B-INS-Jalashwa-to-sail-again-from-Maldives-to-ferry-700-Kerala%252C-Lakshadweep-residents&id=388656|website=newsonair.com|archive-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904150156/http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?title=56-flights-bring-Indians-from-12-countries-so-far-under-Vande-Bharat-Mission;-INS-Jalashwa-to-sail-again-from-Maldives-to-ferry-700-Kerala,-Lakshadweep-residents&id=388656}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! style="width: 10%" | Departure date
! style="width: 10%;" | Inbound evacuees
! style="width: 10%;" | Outbound evacuees{{efn|name=outbound|The Indian media is focusing mostly on those returning to India, so outbound counts may go mostly unreported.}}
! style="width: 18%;" | Foreign destination
! style="width: 18%;" | Indian destination
! style="width: 34%;" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 7 May 2020
|177
|{{--}}
|{{Flagicon|UAE}} [[Abu Dhabi International Airport]]
|[[Cochin International Airport]]
|First flight under the mission.<ref name="P1F1-2">{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=First flight carrying stranded Indians from Abu Dhabi lands at Kochi|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2020/may/07/first-flight-carrying-stranded-indians-from-abu-dhabi-lands-at-kochi-2140501.html|website=The New Indian Express|date=8 May 2020 }}</ref> Three passengers on the flight to [[Kochi]] later tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Three more Gulf returnees test positive for Covid-19 in Kerala|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/number-of-active-covid-19-cases-in-kerala-rises-to-20-after-7-more-test-positive-11589114413184.html|date=10 May 2020|website=Livemint}}</ref>
|-
| 7 May 2020
|177
|{{--}}
|{{Flagicon|UAE}} [[Dubai International Airport]]
|[[Calicut International Airport]]
|A substantial portion of passengers were pregnant women, stranded infants, and elderly persons taken on humanitarian grounds.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Pregnant women, elderly on board as India begins first phase of evacuation|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/pregnant-women-elderly-on-board-as-india-begins-first-phase-of-evacuation-81705|website=Tribuneindia News Service}}</ref><ref name="P1F1-2" />
|-
|-
| 7–8 May 2020
|234
|0
|{{Flagicon|SIN}} [[Singapore Changi International Airport]]
|Indira Gandhi International Airport
|The flight to [[Delhi]], AI 381, was slightly delayed. Hotels throughout Delhi were prepared to quarantine the evacuees.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Pankhuri|last1=Yadav|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Delhi Airport News: Tears of relief at IGI Airport's arrival and departure  |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/tears-of-relief-at-arrival-and-departure/articleshow/75636992.cms|website=The Times of India|date=9 May 2020 }}</ref>
|-
| 12 May 2020
|177/179
|{{--}}
|{{Flagicon|UAE}} Dubai International Airport
|[[Mangalore International Airport]]
|20 passengers later tested positive for the virus.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|access-date=16 May 2020|title=20 passengers in first Vande Bharat Mission flight from Dubai test positive for COVID-19|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/20-passengers-in-first-vande-bharat-mission-flight-from-dubai-tested-positive-for-covid-19/article31590672.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=15 May 2020|location=Mangaluru|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
|}
* On 9 May, Air India flight carrying 129 passengers from [[Dhaka|Dhaka, Bangladesh]] landed at Delhi airport. Air India flight with 180 Indians from [[Sharjah]] reached [[Lucknow]]. Air India flight from [[Kuwait]] with 163 adults and four infants landed in [[Hyderabad]] with 163 nationals on board. Also 177 Indians from [[Kuala Lumpur]] reach [[Trichy]] in [[Tamil Nadu]]. The second flight from [[Singapore]], landed at [[Mumbai]] with 243 Indians. 180 Indian nationals including three children from [[Dubai]] arrived at [[Chennai]].<ref name="auto2">{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=India evacuation HIGHLIGHTS: Air India flight carrying Indians from UAE lands at Chennai airport|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-evacuation-live-updates-coronavirus-covid-19-uae-kerala-delhi-us-6399554/|date=9 May 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>
* On 10 May, [[INS Jalashwa]], with 700 Indian nationals from the [[Maldives]] arrived at the [[Cochin Port|Kochi Port]]. This was an operation of the [[Indian Navy]] called Operation Samudra Setu.
* On 10 May, 326 Indian nationals from [[London]], landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in [[Mumbai]]. 177 passengers from [[Kuala Lumpur]] landed at [[Kochi]]. 117 Indians from [[Kuwait]] landed at [[Chennai]].<ref name="auto2" />
* On 11 May, 323 Indians from [[London]] landed at [[Bangalore]]. 118 Indians stranded in [[San Francisco]] landed at [[Hyderabad]]. Air India flight 1387 carrying Indians from [[Manila]] arrived in [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Vande Bharat Mission: 118 people stranded in USA land in Hyderabad &#124; India News – Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vande-bharat-mission-118-people-stranded-in-usa-land-in-hyderabad/articleshow/75671050.cms|website=The Times of India|date=11 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Air India Flight With Stranded Indians From Manila Lands In Mumbai|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-says-air-india-flight-with-stranded-indians-from-manila-philippines-lands-in-mumbai-2226570|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

==== Phase II ====

This phase started on 17 May and ended on 10 June.{{efn|This is based on the Air India schedule; other sources, including the MEA, have given different timeframes.}}<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=http://www.airindia.in/images/pdf/Web-schedule-phase-2-complete-30-May-20-1400-Hrs-converted.pdf|title= Vande Bharat Mission Phase 2 schedule|access-date=30 May 2020|publisher= Air India}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://mea.gov.in/vande-bharat-mission-list-of-flights.htm|title= VandeBharatMission Phase 2 schedule|access-date=23 June 2020|publisher= Ministry Of External Affairs (India)}}</ref> The scope of evacuations was expanded to cover more European and Central Asian countries.<ref name="HinduP2">{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Kallol|last1=Bhattacherjee|access-date=10 May 2020|title='Vande Bharat Mission' to cover more European nations|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/vande-bharat-mission-to-cover-more-european-nations/article31538151.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=8 May 2020|location=New Delhi|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> It is planned that over 30,000 Indian nationals will be brought back to [[India]] through 149 flights from 40 countries in this phase.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=149 flights, 40 nations: Second phase of Vande Bharat Mission begins|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/149-flights-40-nations-second-phase-of-vande-bharat-mission-begins/story-YwYGMiECVFBa06egk5xQeK.html|date=16 May 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Vande Bharat Mission Phase 2: Indians to fly back from the US on 7 flights starting May 19 – Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/vande-bharat-mission-phase-2-indians-to-fly-back-from-the-us-on-7-flights-starting-may-19/articleshow/75709814.cms|website=The Times of India|date=13 May 2020 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! style="width: 10%" | Departure date
! style="width: 10%;" | Inbound evacuees
! style="width: 10%;" | Outbound evacuees{{efn|name=outbound}}
! style="width: 18%;" | Foreign destination
! style="width: 18%;" | Indian destination
! style="width: 34%;" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 28 May 2020
|230 (est.)
|{{--}}
|{{Flagicon|BGD}} [[Bangladesh]]
|[[Tripura]]<br />[[Assam]]<br />[[Meghalaya]]
|Evacuation done over land.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=30 May 2020|title=Evacuation by land route under Vande Bharat Mission begins; Around 230 stranded Indians leave from Bangladesh|url=http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=389834|website=newsonair.com}}</ref>
|-
|}

==== Phase III ====
This phase started on 11 June
with scheduling over 300 flights from 50 countries. This phase is planned to include private airlines.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=30 May 2020|title=Vande Bharat Mission in phase 3 may rope private airlines, talks on|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vande-bharat-mission-in-phase-3-may-rope-private-airlines-talks-are-on/story-VFYSpHkboI5l0tAa6jwecK.html|date=21 May 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=21 June 2020|title=VandeBharatMission Phase 3|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/phase-3.htm|publisher=Ministry of External Affairs India}}</ref>

==== Phase IV ====
The fourth phase of Vande Bharat Mission will start on 3 July. This phase will be mainly focused on [[Gulf Countries]] and [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]] and [[Malaysia]]. A total of 1050 flights will be scheduled. Out of the 1050 flights, 750 flights will be operated by [[India]]n-based private airlines and rest of them will be operated by [[Air India Express]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|access-date=28 June 2020|title=Vande Bharat Mission Phase 4|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/vande-bharat-mission-phase-4-from-july-3/article31917002.ece/|work= The Hindu|date=25 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=28 June 2020|title=Vande Bharat Mission Phase 4 Schedule|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/phase-4.htm|publisher=Ministry of External Affairs India}}</ref>
Air India will commence phase 4 on 4 July.<ref name="Air India evacuation flights schedule">{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=20 June 2020|title=Air India evacuation flights schedule |url=http://www.airindia.in/evacuation-flight.htm|publisher=Air India}}</ref> Air India will operate additional flights from India to [[Europe]] and the [[United States]] from 22 July 2020 to 31 July 2020 under Vande Bharat Mission<ref name="Air India US and Europe Schedule">{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=20 June 2020|title=Air India evacuation flights schedule |url=http://www.airindia.in/images/pdf/VBM-Phase-4-updated-25-JUL-20-US-and-Europe-Flights-converted.pdf|publisher=Air India}}</ref>

==== Phase V ====

The 5th phase began on 1 August 2020 until 31 August 2020, with over 700 flights to 53 countries planned.<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes.com">{{#invoke:Cite|news|access-date=8 August 2020|title=Air India commences fifth phase of Vande Bharat Mission, expected to run 700 flights|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-commences-fifth-phase-of-vande-bharat-mission-expected-to-run-700-flights/articleshow/77300634.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=August 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date= 25 July 2020|title=Vande Bharat Mission phase 5|date=25 July 2020|url=https://www.india.com/business/no-one-will-be-left-behind-tweets-hardeep-singh-puri-on-vande-bharat-mission-phase-5-4094139/|publisher = india.com}}</ref>
Air India operated more flights to the [[United States]], [[France]], [[Germany]], the [[United Kingdom]], the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] and more.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=25 July 2020|title=Air India special flights schedule |url=http://www.airindia.in/images/pdf/VBM-Phase-5-updated-27-JUL-20-US-Canada-and-Europe-Flights-2-converted.pdf|publisher=Air India}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=25 July 2020|title=Air India special flights schedule 2 |url=http://www.airindia.in/evacuation-flight.htm}}</ref> Out of these flights, was ill-fated [[Air India Express Flight 1344]], which crashed and killed 21 aboard.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=8 August 2020|title=Air India Express IX 1344 plane crash in Kozhikode: How the incident happened|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kozhikode-kerala-air-india-plane-crash-how-the-incident-happened-6544695/|access-date=2 October 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

==== Phase VI ====

The Phase 6 of Vande Bharat Mission has start on 1 September and India has operated a total of 1059 flights from [[Afghanistan]], [[Bahrain]], [[Cambodia]], [[Canada]], [[China]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Jordan]], [[Kuwait]], [[Malaysia]], [[Maldives]], [[Oman]], [[Qatar]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]], UAE, UK and USA.

==== Phase VII ====

The [https://travelobiz.com/vande-bharat-mission-phase-7-flights-schedule/ phase 7 of the Vande Bharat mission] was operationalized in Oct 2020 and more than 1000 international flights have been scheduled from 19 countries under this phase during the course of October. Under the phase 7 of Vande Bharat Mission India has operated flights from '''Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, UAE, UK and USA.'''

==== Samudra Setu II ====
In support of the nation's fight against COVID-19 and as part of operation 'Samudra Setu II', seven Indian Naval ships viz. [[INS Kolkata|Kolkata]], [[INS Kochi|Kochi]],&nbsp;[[INS Talwar (F40)|Talwar]], [[INS Tabar|Tabar]], [[INS Trikand|Trikand]], [[INS Jalashwa (L41)|Jalashwa]] and [[INS Airavat (L24)|Airavat]] have been deployed for shipment of liquid medical oxygen-filled cryogenic containers and associated medical equipment from various countries.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Archus|first=Dorian|title=Indian Navy deploys 7 ships for Operation Samudra Setu II – Naval Post|date=3 May 2021|url=https://navalpost.com/indian-navy-deploys-7-ships-for-operation-samudra-setu-ii/|access-date=3 May 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>

'''INS Kolkata''' and '''INS Talwar''', mission deployed in [[Persian Gulf]], were the first batch of ships that were immediately diverted for the task and entered port of [[Manama|Manama, Bahrain]] on 30 April 2021.

'''INS Talwar''', with 40 MT Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) embarked, is headed back home.

'''INS Kolkata''' has proceeded to [[Doha|Doha, Qatar]] for embarking medical supplies and will subsequently head to [[Kuwait]] for embarking Liquid Oxygen tanks.

Similarly, on the Eastern seaboard, '''INS Airavat''' too has been diverted for the task, while INS Jalashwa, the LPD which played a key role during op Samudra Setu last year was pulled out of maintenance, readied&nbsp;and sailed out to augment the effort.

'''INS Airavat''' is scheduled to enter [[Singapore]] for embarking Liquid oxygen tanks and INS Jalashwa is standing by in the region to embark medical stores at short notice.

The second batch of ships comprising Kochi, Trikand and Tabar mission deployed in [[Arabian Sea|Arabian sea]] have also been diverted to join the national effort.

=== Domestic ===
According to [[Indian Railways]], over 1,000,000 migrant workers along with their families were taken home on [[Indian migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic|Shramik Special]] (''shramik'' is Hindi for "labour") trains.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Over 10 lakh migrant workers ferried since 1 May in Shramik trains: Railways|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/over-10-lakh-migrant-workers-ferried-since-1-may-in-shramik-trains-railways-11589453710545.html|date=14 May 2020|website=Livemint}}</ref> For the most part, state governments are taking responsibility to arrange the travel of workers back home.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Responsibility of states to facilitate migrant workers' travel: MHA|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/responsibility-of-states-to-facilitate-migrant-workers-travel-mha-838140.html|date=15 May 2020|website=Deccan Herald}}</ref> The state of [[Uttarakhand]], a huge source of migrant workers, has had 130,000 applications from residents wishing to get back home.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Uttarakhand to evacuate all 1.3 lakh of residents stranded in other states|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uttarakhand-to-evacuate-all-1-3-lakh-of-residents-stranded-in-other-states/story-xvsXOhTa9pQacvdc972o8H.html|date=6 May 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

=== Reception ===
The fees levied to passengers have presented a significant barrier to Indians who want to evacuate but did not have enough money to go home.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=10 May 2020|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Indian students left in lurch as embassies stay mum on travel |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/indian-students-left-in-lurch-as-embassies-stay-mum-on-travel/articleshow/75652404.cms|website=The Times of India}}</ref> For example, in both the [[Middle East]]<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=10 May 2020|title=No money, some struggle to find seat on flights from Gulf|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/no-money-some-struggle-to-find-seat-on-flights-from-gulf-6402443/|date=10 May 2020}}</ref> and domestically in [[India]],<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Amrit|last1=Dhillon|access-date=10 May 2020|title=Destitute migrant workers in India forced to pay train fares home|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/04/coronavirus-destitute-migrant-workers-india-forced-pay-train-fares-home|newspaper=The Guardian|date=4 May 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> migrant workers have not been paid for several weeks, making it difficult for them to afford evacuation flights, trains, and buses. Passengers also raised complaints about inadequate payment and reservation infrastructure for the Vande Bharat mission, with worries about security and the 30-minute time limit to pay.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Vande Bharat Mission: A tale of chaos and calm for the stranded|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/vande-bharat-mission-a-tale-of-chaos-and-calm-for-the-stranded-838422.html|date=16 May 2020|website=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

The mission notably excluded the state of [[West Bengal]]. In response, a state minister accused the MEA of discrimination, while [[Piyush Goyal]] claimed that the state government had not confirmed quarantine arrangements and that 3,700 people had registered to return there.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|first1=Sridhar|last1=Kumaraswami|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Vande Bharat mission: MEA refutes West Bengal minister's discrimination charges|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/politics/150520/vande-bharat-mission-mea-refutes-west-bengal-ministers-discriminatio.html|date=15 May 2020|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> A couple days later, an evacuation flight from [[Dhaka|Dhaka, Bangladesh]] to the state capital [[Kolkata]] was confirmed.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|first1=Nayanima|last1=Basu|access-date=19 May 2020|title=India to fly back Bengal residents from Dhaka, days after Centre-state spat over evacuation|website=[[ThePrint]] |url=https://theprint.in/india/india-to-fly-back-bengal-residents-from-dhaka-days-after-centre-state-spat-over-evacuation/423822/|date=17 May 2020}}</ref>

The plight of domestic migrant workers in particular caught the attention of media across the world, as the lockdown meant that they could not return home easily after losing their jobs and images of workers walking to their native places became widespread.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Geeta|last1=Pandey|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Could hunger =kill more people than coronavirus?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52360757|newspaper=BBC News|date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|first1=Amrit|last1=Dhillon|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Destitute migrant workers in India forced to pay train fares home|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/04/coronavirus-destitute-migrant-workers-india-forced-pay-train-fares-home|newspaper=The Guardian|date=4 May 2020|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=In Pictures: The long road home for India's migrant workers|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/pictures-long-road-home-india-migrant-workers-200422084700100.html|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Negative comparisons have been made between the situation of many domestic migrants and Indians abroad: [[Shekhar Gupta]] criticized the media and [[Narendra Modi]] for focusing on the Vande Bharat Mission and thus the more affluent at the expense of the working class,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|first1=Shekhar|last1=Gupta|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Vande Bharat vs Bharat ke bande: Can Narendra Modi be losing his political touch so soon?|url=https://theprint.in/national-interest/vande-bharat-vs-bharat-ke-bande-can-narendra-modi-be-losing-his-political-touch-so-soon/417506/|date=9 May 2020|work=The Print}}</ref> and some politicians criticised the central government for not focusing on migrant workers enough.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Can't poor in the country avail of Vande Bharat Mission, says Akhilesh Yadav|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/can-t-poor-in-the-country-avail-of-vande-bharat-mission-says-akhilesh-yadav/story-C9WF11nEVGMT7JWdFP85nO.html|date=14 May 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=Centre ignoring domestic migrant workers: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/centre-ignoring-domestic-migrant-workers-shiv-sena-mp-sanjay-raut-836442.html|date=11 May 2020|website=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

After March, minors born abroad with [[Overseas Citizenship of India|OCI]] status or Indian visas were not allowed to travel with their Indian citizen parents back to [[India]] due to the earlier suspension of all visas for the country.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web | url=https://boi.gov.in/content/advisory-travel-and-visa-restrictions-related-covid-19-0 | title=ADVISORY: TRAVEL AND VISA RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO COVID-19
|access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web | url=https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2020/05/12/vande-bharat-is-inhuman-h-1b-visa-holders-slam-denial-of-tickets-for-us-born-kids.html | title='Vande Bharat is inhuman': H-1B visa holders slam denial of tickets for US-born kids| website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]|access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref> In response, some MEA officials have proposed allowing some OCIs to be eligible for the flights as well.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|access-date=16 May 2020|title=As Pressure Rises, MEA Suggests Allowing OCI Card Holders on Repatriation Flights in Due Course|url=https://thewire.in/external-affairs/exclusive-mea-oci-card-holders-repatriation-india|website=The Wire|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731041652/https://thewire.in/external-affairs/exclusive-mea-oci-card-holders-repatriation-india}}</ref>

=== Incidents ===

==== Air India Express Flight 1344 ====
{{Main|Air India Express Flight 1344}}
One of the flights under the mission, [[Air India Express Flight 1344]] from [[Dubai International Airport]] to [[Calicut International Airport]], skidded off the runway and crashed into a gorge, killing 21 out of the 190 people on board.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |title=Air India plane crashes in Kerala after skidding off the runway |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/07/asia/plane-crash-calicut-india-intl/index.html |website=CNN |date=7 August 2020 |access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref>

==== Air India Flight AI-312 27-Aug Fiasco ====
On 26 August, Indians including women and children were not allowed to board the Air India flight AI-312 to [[Incheon International Airport|Incheon]] ([[South Korea]]) at the [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] (New Delhi) without prior information. More than 180 Indian passengers bought ticket to fly from India to [[Korea]] to join their families, universities and jobs.

These passengers reached Delhi airport from different cities of India. But hours before the boarding they were informed that they are not allowed to board the flight due to some approval issues with [[South Korea]]. All passengers were forced to return to their home cities.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |title=Air India Fiasco: An Addled Diplomacy, A Goof up Airline, and Stranded Indians |url=https://www.asiancommunitynews.com/air-india-flight-to-korea-fiasco-an-addled-diplomacy-a-goof-up-airline-and-stranded-indians |website=Asian Community News |date=5 September 2020 | access-date=6 September 2020}}</ref>

== Impact ==

=== Displacement of migrant workers ===
{{Main|Indian migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic}}
[[File:Stranded migrant workers during fourth phase of the lockdown IMG 20200523 125500.jpg|thumb|Stranded migrant workers during fourth phase of [[COVID-19 lockdown in India#Timeline|lockdown in Delhi]]]]
The 2020 lockdown left tens of millions of [[migrant worker]]s unemployed.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Biswas|first=Soutik|date=30 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: India's pandemic lockdown turns into a human tragedy|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52086274|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Sanghera|first=Tish|date=2 April 2020|title=Hungry, desperate: India virus controls trap its migrant workers|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/hungry-desperate-india-virus-controls-trap-migrant-workers-200402031123631.html|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> With factories and workplaces shut down, many migrant workers were left with no livelihood.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Slater|first1=Joanna|last2=Masih|first2=Niha|date=28 March 2020|title=In India, the world's biggest lockdown has forced migrants to walk hundreds of miles home|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/india-coronavirus-lockdown-migrant-workers/2020/03/27/a62df166-6f7d-11ea-a156-0048b62cdb51_story.html|access-date=13 May 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> They thus decided to walk hundreds of kilometres to go back to their native villages, accompanied by their families in many cases.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Borbon|first1=Christian|date=28 March 2020|title=Indian migrants forced to walk home amid COVID-19 lockdown|url=https://gulfnews.com/photos/news/indian-migrants-forced-to-walk-home-amid-covid-19-lockdown-1.1585394226024|access-date=13 May 2020|website=Gulf News}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Ara|first1=Ismat|date=29 March 2020|title='No Work, No Money': Thousands Stranded on Anand Vihar Bus Stand|work=The Wire|url=https://thewire.in/labour/watch-no-work-no-money-thousands-stranded-on-anand-vihar-bus-stand|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> In response, the central and state governments took various measures to help them.<ref name="21000camps">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=1 April 2020|title=More than 21,000 camps set up for over 6,60,000 migrants: State governments|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/more-than-21000-camps-set-up-for-over-660000-migrants-state-governments/articleshow/74920798.cms|access-date=2 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=15 May 2020|title=Coronavirus lockdown {{!}} Over 60,000 people have registered on Delhi govt portal to go back home|work=The Hindu|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/over-60000-people-have-registered-on-delhi-govt-portal-to-go-back-home/article31586991.ece|access-date=18 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The central government then announced that it had asked state governments to set up immediate relief camps for the migrant workers returning to their native states,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Jha|first1=Somesh|date=29 March 2020|title=Fighting Covid-19: After the long walk, jobless migrants head home by bus|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/fighting-covid-19-after-the-long-walk-jobless-migrants-head-home-by-bus-120032900041_1.html|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> and later issued orders protecting the rights of the migrants.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Pandey|first1=Devesh K.|date=29 March 2020|title=Coronavirus {{!}} Migrant workers to be stopped, quarantined at borders, says Centre|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-centre-warns-lockdown-violators-of-14-day-quarantine/article31198038.ece|access-date=2 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Dubey|first=Vivek|date=29 March 2020|title=Coronavirus crisis: Landlords can't ask rent from students, workers for 1 month|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/coronavirus-crisis-landlords-can-not-ask-rent-from-students-workers-for-1-month/story/399551.html|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2021|website=Business Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329224909/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/coronavirus-crisis-landlords-can-not-ask-rent-from-students-workers-for-1-month/story/399551.html |archive-date=29 March 2020 }}</ref>

In its report to the Supreme Court of India on 30 March 2020, the central government stated that the migrant workers, apprehensive about their survival, moved in the panic created by fake news that the lockdown would last for more than three months.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Chaturvedi|first1=Arpan|date=1 April 2020|title=Government Effort To Restrain Media Coverage Of Pandemic Met With Supreme Court Caution|url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/law-and-policy/government-effort-to-restrain-media-coverage-of-pandemic-met-with-supreme-court-caution|access-date=10 May 2020|website=BloombergQuint}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Rajalakshmi|first1=T. K.|date=1 April 2020|title=Centre blames media 'fake news' for mass migration during lockdown|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/article31228357.ece|access-date=10 May 2020|website=The Hindu Frontline}}</ref> In early May, the central government permitted the Indian Railways to launch "Shramik Special" trains for the migrant workers and others stranded,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Bhargava|first1=Yuthika|date=1 May 2020|title=Coronavirus lockdown {{!}} Railways to run 'Shramik Special' trains to move migrant workers, other stranded persons|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/railways-to-run-shramik-special-trains-to-move-migrant-workers-other-stranded-persons/article31481996.ece|access-date=9 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> but this move had its own complications.<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|date=2 May 2020|title=Shramik special trains {{!}} Migrant workers, other stranded people to pay ₹50 more to get home|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shramik-special-trains-migrant-workers-other-stranded-people-to-pay-50-more-to-get-home/article31487251.ece|access-date=9 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|author=Anuja|last2=Varma|first2=Gyan|date=4 May 2020|title=Congress' move to sponsor rail fare for migrants sparks political tussle|website=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/congress-will-pay-for-rail-travel-of-needy-and-migrants-sonia-gandhi-11588564839050.html|access-date=9 May 2020}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|date=6 May 2020|title=Government can't tell Supreme Court if it is paying 85% rail fare|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/coronavirus-lockdown-government-cant-tell-supreme-court-if-it-is-paying-85-rail-fare/cid/1770636|access-date=23 May 2020|website=The Telegraph|location=Kolkota}}</ref> On 26 May, the Supreme Court admitted that the problems of the migrants had still not been solved and ordered the Centre and States to provide free food, shelter and transport to stranded migrant workers.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Rajagopal|first=Krishnadas|date=26 May 2020|title=Supreme Court orders Centre and States to immediately provide transport, food and shelter free of cost to stranded migrant workers|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-takes-suo-motu-cognisance-of-migrant-workers-issue/article31679389.ece|access-date=27 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

=== Drug shortages ===
{{See also|Shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic}}In January 2020, Indian pharma companies raised the issue that drug supplies could be hit if the pandemic situation in China became worse.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Chandna|first=Himani|date=30 January 2020|title=India's production of paracetamol, top antibiotics could be hit by China coronavirus crisis|url=https://theprint.in/health/indias-production-of-paracetamol-top-antibiotics-could-be-hit-by-china-coronavirus-crisis/356222/|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215172329/https://theprint.in/health/indias-production-of-paracetamol-top-antibiotics-could-be-hit-by-china-coronavirus-crisis/356222/ |archive-date=15 February 2020 }}</ref> India sources about 70% of its pharmaceutical ingredients from China.<ref name="Ellis-Petersen-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ellis-Petersen|first=Hannah|date=4 March 2020|title=India limits medicine exports after supplies hit by coronavirus|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/04/india-limits-medicine-exports-coronavirus-paracetamol-antibiotics|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304210154/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/04/india-limits-medicine-exports-coronavirus-paracetamol-antibiotics |archive-date=4 March 2020 }}</ref> In March 2020, India restricted export of 26 pharmaceutical ingredients; this restriction pointed to impending global shortages.<ref name="Ellis-Petersen-2020" /> During the second wave of the pandemic in India shortages of certain drugs caused some COVID-19 patients to go to the [[black market]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Pandey|first=Vikas|date=15 April 2021|title=India coronavirus: Desperate Covid-19 patients turn to black market for drugs|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56757405|access-date=17 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=22 April 2021|agency=AFP|title=India's Covid-19 shortages spur black market for drugs, oxygen|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210422-india-s-covid-19-shortages-spur-black-market-for-drugs-oxygen|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|work=France 24|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501023703/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210422-india-s-covid-19-shortages-spur-black-market-for-drugs-oxygen |archive-date=1 May 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Reuters-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=26 April 2021|title=U.S. drugmakers step up supplies as India battles COVID-19 surge|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/gilead-help-india-increase-production-remdesivir-2021-04-26/|access-date=11 May 2021|work=Reuters}}</ref> In April 2021, other important COVID-19 related drugs also faced lowered stocks and sharp rise in cost of raw materials.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Leo|first=Leroy|date=20 April 2021|title=Vitamins, antivirals shortage piles woes on covid patients|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/vitamins-antivirals-shortage-piles-woes-on-covid-patients-11618858305848.html|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=mint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511133916/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/vitamins-antivirals-shortage-piles-woes-on-covid-patients-11618858305848.html |archive-date=11 May 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Chandna|first=Himani|date=3 May 2021|title=Pharma industry warns of Covid drug shortages as raw materials prices surge 200%|url=https://theprint.in/health/pharma-industry-warns-of-covid-drug-shortages-as-raw-materials-prices-surge-200/650792/|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503050048/https://theprint.in/health/pharma-industry-warns-of-covid-drug-shortages-as-raw-materials-prices-surge-200/650792/ |archive-date=3 May 2021 }}</ref>

=== Education ===
{{Main|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education}}

On 16 March 2020, the union government ordered the closure of schools and colleges.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=17 March 2020|editor-last=Sanyal|editor-first=Anindita|title=Schools Closed, Travel To Be Avoided, Says Centre On Coronavirus: 10 Points|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mumbai-s-siddhivinayak-temple-to-close-entry-for-devotees-from-today-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-2195660|url-status=live|access-date=18 March 2020|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316174524/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mumbai-s-siddhivinayak-temple-to-close-entry-for-devotees-from-today-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-2195660 |archive-date=16 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|journal |last1=Nandi |first1=Arindam |last2=Haberland |first2=Nicole |last3=Kozak |first3=Meredith |last4=Ngô |first4=Thoại D. |date=2023-09-22 |title=The gendered effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent literacy and schooling outcomes in India |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41539-023-00193-8 |journal=npj Science of Learning |language=en |volume=8 |issue=1 |page=42 |doi=10.1038/s41539-023-00193-8 |pmid=37739983 |bibcode=2023npjSL...8...42N |issn=2056-7936|pmc=10516864 }}</ref> On 18 March, [[Central Board of Secondary Education]] (CBSE) released revised guidelines for examination centers incorporating social distancing measures.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Iftikhar|first1=Fareeha|last2=Sarfaraz|first2=Kainat|date=18 March 2020|title=CBSE Board advises social distancing, face masks at exam centres to prevent coronavirus|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/education/cbse-board-advises-social-distancing-face-masks-at-exam-centres-to-prevent-coronavirus/story-anUZT6gqcnyyd52l1QZjYL.html |access-date=14 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> On 19 March, CBSE and [[Joint Entrance Examination|JEE]] examinations for the [[Indian Institutes of Technology]] and other engineering college admissions were postponed.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=19 March 2020|title=CBSE 10th and 12th Board exams postponed due to coronavirus epidemic|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/home/education/news/cbse-10th-and-12th-board-exams-rescheduled-due-to-coronavirus-epidemic/articleshow/74698356.cms|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318171925/https://m.timesofindia.com/home/education/news/cbse-10th-and-12th-board-exams-rescheduled-due-to-coronavirus-epidemic/articleshow/74698356.cms |archive-date=18 March 2020 }}</ref> States across the country postponed or cancelled school examinations; younger students were either automatically promoted or promoted based on prior performance.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=20 March 2020|title=MP Board 10th & 12th exams postponed due to Coronavirus|work=The Times of India|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/home/education/news/mp-board-10th-12th-exams-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-exams-of-classes-5-8-cancelled/articleshow/74715064.cms|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=M.K.|first=Nidheesh|date=20 March 2020|title=COVID-19: Kerala postpones Class 10, Class 12 board exams, a first for the state|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-kerala-postpones-class-10-class-12-board-exams-a-first-for-the-state-11584692189302.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Tandon|first=Tulika|date=20 March 2020|title=Assam Government cancels all exams till March 31 due to COVID19, new dates to be out soon|work=Times Now News|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/education/article/assam-government-cancels-all-exams-till-march-31-due-to-covid19-new-dates-to-be-out-soon/567181|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> The [[Union Public Service Commission]] also postponed the interview for the [[Civil Services Examination]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=20 March 2020|title=Coronavirus outbreak: UPSC defers civil services interviews|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-outbreak-upsc-defers-civil-services-interviews/articleshow/74732283.cms|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2021|website=The Economic Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326030707/https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-outbreak-upsc-defers-civil-services-interviews/amp_articleshow/74732283.cms |archive-date=26 March 2020 }}</ref> Only a few educational institutions in India have been able to effectively adapt to e-learning and remote learning; the [[digital divide]] is further impacted by serious electricity issues and lack of internet connectivity.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Modi|first1=Sushma|last2=Postaria|first2=Ronika|date=6 October 2020|title=How COVID-19 deepens the digital education divide in India|url=https://gdc.unicef.org/resource/how-covid-19-deepens-digital-education-divide-india|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2021|website=UNICEF Global Development Commons|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202110033/https://gdc.unicef.org/resource/how-covid-19-deepens-digital-education-divide-india |archive-date=2 December 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Nanda|first=Prashant K.|date=28 October 2020|title=Digital divide is stark, online education still far from reality: ASER|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/online-education-still-a-far-from-reality-govt-school-enrollment-gains-amid-pandemic-report-11603898648072.html|access-date=12 May 2021|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Kundu|first=Protiva|date=5 May 2020|title=Indian education can't go online – only 8% of homes with young members have computer with net link|url=https://scroll.in/article/960939/indian-education-cant-go-online-only-8-of-homes-with-school-children-have-computer-with-net-link|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505045513/https://scroll.in/article/960939/indian-education-cant-go-online-only-8-of-homes-with-school-children-have-computer-with-net-link |archive-date=5 May 2020 }}</ref>

=== Economy ===
{{Main|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in India}}
{{See also|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic}}
Due to limited social movement restrictions during the second wave relative to lockdown measures during the first wave, the economic impact of the second wave to date is less severe than that of the first wave. Socio-economic indicators such as power demand, labour participation, and railway freight traffic fell less during the second wave as compared to the first wave.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Dugal|first=Ira|date=3 May 2021|title=Covid Second Wave: Economic Impact Not Trivial But May Be Less Enduring, Say Economists|url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/covid-second-wave-economic-impact-not-trivial-but-may-be-less-enduring-say-economists|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2021|website=BloombergQuint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503031149/https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/covid-second-wave-economic-impact-not-trivial-but-may-be-less-enduring-say-economists |archive-date=3 May 2021 }}</ref> The first wave has strengthened domestic economic resilience, visible during the second wave, despite the severity of the second wave.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=7 May 2021|title=Impact Of COVID-19 Second Wave On Economy To Remain Muted: Finmin Report|url=https://www.livemint.com/economy/impact-of-covid-19-second-wave-on-economy-to-remain-muted-finmin-report-11620383633499.html|access-date=22 January 2025|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> The Indian Finance Ministry, in their Monthly Economic Review for April 2021 released on 7 May 2021, wrote that "economic activity has learnt to operate 'with Covid'".<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=8 May 2021|title='Covid wave: Expect muted hit on economy as against first'|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/covid-second-wave-coronavirus-cases-indian-economy-gdp-7306387/|access-date=12 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Since the beginning of the pandemic in India, poverty has increased, and livelihoods have been affected.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=6 May 2021|title=Editorial: The economic impact of Covid-19|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/the-economic-impact-of-covid19-101620304853918.html|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507024530/https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/the-economic-impact-of-covid19-101620304853918.html |archive-date=7 May 2021 }}</ref> The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had projected a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 6.2% during 2019–2020, whereas after the outbreak of COVID-19, the RBI revised the expected growth GDP downwards to 4.8%, indicating that the Indian economy has received a severe negative impact due to the pandemic.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|journal |last1=Gopalan |first1=Hema S. |last2=Misra |first2=Anoop |date=September 2020 |title=COVID-19 pandemic and challenges for socio-economic issues, healthcare and National Health Programs in India |journal=Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews |volume=14 |issue=5 |pages=757–759 |doi=10.1016/j.dsx.2020.05.041 |issn=1871-4021|doi-access=free |pmid=32504992 |pmc=7261093 }}</ref>

A study by the Azim Premji University in May 2021 found that women who were in the workforce before the pandemic were seven times more likely to be laid off than men. And when it came to those who had already lost their jobs, women were 11 times more likely than men not to return to work.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=COVID-19's devastating impact on Indian women|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/COVID-19-s-devastating-impact-on-Indian-women|access-date=9 September 2021|website=Nikkei Asia|language=en-GB}}</ref>

{{Multiple image
| image1 = 
| image2 = Indices S&P BSE 500 (2015 to 2020).png
| caption1 = Impact of COVID-19 on [[National Stock Exchange of India]] NIFTY 50 (1 Jan 2020 to 19 May 2020). "The [[NIFTY 50]] is NSE's benchmark broad based stock market index for the Indian equity market."
| caption2 = Indices: S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 500 (1 January 2015 to 1 April 2021). Post March 2020 is highlighted in blue.
}}

Indian stock markets witnessed a [[flash crash]] on 2 March 2020 on the back of the Union Health Ministry's announcement of two new confirmed cases.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Sensex witnesses flash crash on 2 new coronavirus cases in India; over 340 stocks hit 52-week low|work=Moneycontrol|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/sensex-witnesses-flash-crash-on-2-new-coronavirus-cases-in-india-over-340-stocks-hit-52-week-low-4993351.html|access-date=3 March 2020}}</ref> On 12 March 2020, Indian stock markets suffered their worst crash since June 2017 after WHO's declaration of the outbreak as a pandemic.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Sensex Crashes 2,919 Points, Nifty Ends at 9,590 In Worst Day For Markets Ever|url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/bse-sensex-today-live-market-news-sensex-ends-2919-points-lower-nifty-at-9590-amid-coronavirus-fear-2193751|access-date=13 March 2020|website=NDTV.com|date=12 March 2020 }}</ref> On 23 March 2020, stock markets in India posted its worst losses in history.<ref name="IndianExpress-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=23 March 2020|title=Stock markets post worst losses in history; Sensex crashes 3,935 points amid coronavirus lockdown|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/business/market/bse-sensex-nse-nifty-stock-market-live-updates-coronavirus-global-markets-6327415/|access-date=23 March 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref> [[BSE SENSEX|SENSEX]] fell 4000 points (13.15%) and [[NIFTY 50|NSE NIFTY]] fell 1150 points (12.98%).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=23 March 2020|title=Sensex crashes 4,000 points: What's behind market meltdown|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/sensex-hits-10-lower-circuit-what-led-to-the-market-meltdown/articleshow/74768152.cms|access-date=23 March 2020}}</ref> However, on 25 March 2020, one day after a complete 21-day lock-down was announced by the Prime Minister, [[SENSEX]] posted its biggest gains in over a decade.<ref name="Shah-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Shah|first1=Ami|date=25 March 2020|title=Sensex posts biggest gain in 11 years: Investors richer by Rs 4.7 lakh crore|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/sensex-logs-biggest-one-day-gain-in-11-years-investors-richer-by-rs-4-7-lakh-crore/articleshow/74810933.cms|access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Das|first1=Shouvik|date=25 March 2020|title=Flipkart to Resume Shipping and Deliveries from Later Today, Confirms CEO|url=https://www.news18.com/news/tech/flipkart-to-resume-shipping-and-deliveries-from-later-today-confirms-ceo-2550957.html|access-date=25 March 2020|website=News18}}</ref> The domestic stock markets have been in a positive rally from October 2020 to April 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Singh|first=Sandeep|date=6 May 2021|title=Explained: Why markets are rising despite Covid-19 surge, what you should do|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-markets-are-rising-despite-covid-surge-and-what-you-should-do-7296008/|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430030542/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-markets-are-rising-despite-covid-surge-and-what-you-should-do-7296008/ |archive-date=30 April 2021 }}</ref>

=== Freedom of expression ===
{{Main|Censorship in India}}
During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions imposed under public health and emergency measures had implications for freedom of assembly in India. In July 2020, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the World Organisation Against Torture highlighted concerns raised in a United Nations Special Rapporteur's report regarding the use of emergency powers to impose broad prohibitions on peaceful protests and assemblies. The organisations noted that restrictions on public gatherings introduced during the pandemic should comply with international legal standards of legality, necessity, and proportionality, and cautioned against the use of public health measures to unduly suppress peaceful dissent. They emphasised that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly remains protected under international human rights law even during states of emergency.<ref>{{cite web |title=India: repression of protests violating freedom of association and assembly |url=https://www.icj.org/hrc44-india-foa/ |website=International Commission of Jurists |access-date=11 January 2026}}</ref>

On 25 April 2021 the government confirmed that it had made an emergency order requiring at least 100 social media posts to be removed by Facebook, [[Instagram]], and Twitter, which included posts that it believed were misinformation, inducing panic among the public, or obstructing the response to the pandemic. This included critical tweets by West Bengal Minister of Labour and Law [[Moloy Ghatak]], filmmaker and journalist [[Vinod Kapri]], MP [[Revanth Reddy]], and actor [[Viineet Kumar]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Lyons|first=Kim|date=24 April 2021|title=Twitter censored tweets critical of India's handling of the pandemic at its government's request|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/24/22400976/twitter-removed-tweets-critical-india-censor-coronavirus|access-date=24 April 2021|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Deep|first=Aroon|date=24 April 2021|title=Twitter censors tweets from MP, MLA, editor criticising pandemic handling|url=https://www.medianama.com/2021/04/223-twitter-mp-minister-censor/|access-date=24 April 2021|website=MediaNama|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Singh|first1=Karan Deep|last2=Mozur|first2=Paul|date=25 April 2021|title=As Outbreak Rages, India Orders Critical Social Media Posts to Be Taken Down|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/25/business/india-covid19-twitter-facebook.html|access-date=26 April 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

On 30 April 2021, in a [[suo moto]] case regarding the government's response to the pandemic, a Supreme Court of India bench headed by Justice [[Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud]] commented on "free flow of information" and equated its restriction to [[Contempt of court in India|contempt of court]], "There should be free flow of information; we should hear voices of citizens. This is a national crisis. There should not be any presumption that the grievances raised on the internet are always false.[...] there should not be any kind of clampdown."<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=30 April 2021|title=No clampdown on grievances; must avoid political bickering: What SC said on Covid crisis|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-clampdown-on-grievances-must-avoid-political-bickering-what-sc-said-on-covid-crisis/articleshow/82330908.cms|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430144402/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-clampdown-on-grievances-must-avoid-political-bickering-what-sc-said-on-covid-crisis/articleshow/82330908.cms |archive-date=30 April 2021 }}</ref>

On 21 May 2021, the [[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]] ordered social media outlets to remove all content that "names, refers to, or implies [an] 'Indian variant' of coronavirus", under the justification that it is misinformation because the World Health Organization does not officially recognise or use the term in relation to [[Lineage B.1.617]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 May 2021|title=Covid: India tells social media firms to remove 'India variant' from content|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57213046|access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>

=== Other diseases ===
{{Main|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on other health issues}}

{{Image frame
 | caption=Comparison of month-wise tuberculosis (TB) notification<br /> between 2019 and 2020 in India.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |title=India TB Report 2021: National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme. Annual Report. |url=https://tbcindia.gov.in/showfile.php?lid=3587 |publisher=Central TB Division. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Government of India. |access-date=21 May 2021 |page=12}}</ref><ref name="Roberts-2021" />
 | content =
{{#chart:Comparison of month-wise tuberculosis (TB) notification between 2019 and 2020 in India.chart}} '''[[:c:data:Comparison of month-wise tuberculosis (TB) notification between 2019 and 2020 in India.tab|Data]]'''
}}
The attention given to fighting COVID-19 caused a reduction in attention given to other diseases such as tuberculosis, resulting in ten of thousands of deaths.<ref name="Roberts-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|journal|last=Roberts|first=Leslie|date=21 April 2021|title=How COVID hurt the fight against other dangerous diseases|url=https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01022-x|journal=Nature|language=en|volume=592|issue=7855|pages=502–504|doi=10.1038/d41586-021-01022-x|pmid=33883727|bibcode=2021Natur.592..502R|s2cid=233349507}}</ref> This has also caused a set-back to the fight against tuberculosis by over a decade.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Mascarenhas|first=Anuradha|date=19 March 2021|title=One year of Covid-19 eliminated 12 years of progress in global fight against tuberculosis|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/one-year-of-covid-19-eliminated-12-years-of-progress-in-global-fight-against-tuberculosis/|url-status=live|access-date=21 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318210444/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/one-year-of-covid-19-eliminated-12-years-of-progress-in-global-fight-against-tuberculosis/ |archive-date=18 March 2021 }}</ref> The fall in tuberculosis registrations in the country fell 24% from 2019 to 2020 due to pandemic related issues.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sharma|first=Neetu Chandra|date=25 March 2021|title=India tuberculosis registrations fall 24% in 2020 due covid-led disruptions|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-tuberculosis-registrations-fall-24-in-2020-due-covid-led-disruptions-11616645106334.html|access-date=21 May 2021|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> Immunisation programs have been impacted, operations postponed and neglected and institutional delivery of babies decreased during the lockdown in 2020.<ref name="Ghosh-2020-1" />

=== Healthcare and frontline workers ===
{{Main|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers}}

[[File:Healthcare workers wearing PPE 03.jpg|thumb|220x220px|Healthcare workers in Kerala during the pandemic]]
On 8 August 2020, [[Indian Medical Association]] (IMA) announced that 198 doctors had died due to COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=8 August 2020|title=IMA says nearly 200 doctors in India have succumbed to COVID-19 so far; requests PM's attention|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ima-says-nearly-200-doctors-in-india-have-succumbed-to-covid-19-so-far-requests-pms-attention/articleshow/77430706.cms|access-date=9 August 2020}}</ref> This number was increased to 515 by October 2020,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=2 October 2020|title=IMA Says At Least 515 Doctors Have Died of COVID-19|url=https://science.thewire.in/health/ima-515-doctors-covid-19-deaths-india-health-workers/|access-date=13 February 2021|website=The Wire Science|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=16 September 2020|agency=PTI|title=IMA publishes list of 382 doctors who died due to Covid-19, demands they be treated as martyrs|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ima-publishes-list-of-382-doctors-who-died-due-to-covid-19-demands-they-be-treated-as-martyrs/story-hX0ELsr0LXk8UnBFQ0kIvJ.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918075826/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ima-publishes-list-of-382-doctors-who-died-due-to-covid-19-demands-they-be-treated-as-martyrs/story-hX0ELsr0LXk8UnBFQ0kIvJ.html |archive-date=18 September 2020 |access-date=13 February 2021|newspaper=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> and 734 by 3 February 2021.<ref name="HindustanTimes-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=3 February 2021|agency=ANI|title=IMA refutes govts data, says 734 doctors died due to Covid-19, condemns Centres apathy|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ima-refutes-govt-s-data-says-734-doctors-died-due-to-covid-19-condemns-centre-s-apathy-101612365469868.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203153059/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ima-refutes-govt-s-data-says-734-doctors-died-due-to-covid-19-condemns-centre-s-apathy-101612365469868.html |archive-date=3 February 2021 |access-date=13 February 2021|newspaper=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> However, on 2 and 5 February 2021 the health ministry announced in the [[Rajya Sabha]] and [[Lok Sabha]] respectively that 162/174 doctors, 107/116 nurses and 44 [[ASHA worker]]s/199 healthcare workers had died due to COVID-19.<ref name="HindustanTimes-2021" /><ref name="NDTV-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|news |date=5 February 2021|agency=PTI|title=174 Doctors, 116 Nurses, 199 Health Workers Died Due To Covid: Centre|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/174-doctors-116-nurses-199-health-workers-died-due-to-covid-centre-2364200|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|work=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205180043/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/174-doctors-116-nurses-199-health-workers-died-due-to-covid-centre-2364200 |archive-date=5 February 2021 }}</ref> The figures were based on the governments "Insurance Scheme for Health Workers fighting COVID-19".<ref name="NDTV-2021" /> As of 17 April 2021, IMA put the number of deaths of doctors at 747.<ref name="Mascarenhas-2021">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Mascarenhas|first=Anuradha|date=17 April 2021|title=747 doctors died of Covid-19 in India: IMA|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/747-doctors-died-of-covid-19-in-india-ima-7277087/|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416194451/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/747-doctors-died-of-covid-19-in-india-ima-7277087/ |archive-date=16 April 2021 }}</ref> Ten of thousands of doctors, nurses and health workers have been infected with covid.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Dey|first=Sushmi|date=29 August 2020|title=87k health staff infected with Covid, 573 dead; 74% cases from six states|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/over-87k-health-workers-infected-with-covid-19-573-dead/articleshow/77814189.cms|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829074552/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/over-87k-health-workers-infected-with-covid-19-573-dead/articleshow/77814189.cms |archive-date=29 August 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Mascarenhas-2021" /> Healthcare workers followed by frontline workers in India were provided with covid vaccinations first, starting from 16 January 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=16 January 2021|editor-last=Roy|editor-first=Divyanshu Dutta|title="Humbled And Proud": Frontline Workers On Getting First Covid Vaccines|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccination-frontline-workers-on-getting-first-covid-vaccines-2353558|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2021|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116131614/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccination-frontline-workers-on-getting-first-covid-vaccines-2353558 |archive-date=16 January 2021 }}</ref> This included 9,616,697 healthcare workers and 14,314,563 frontline workers; by May 2021 a majority of these had also been given their second dose.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=14 May 2021|editor-last=Sinha|editor-first=Smriti|title=India has administered nearly 180mn Covid vaccine doses till now|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-has-administered-nearly-180mn-covid-vaccine-doses-till-now-101620991799116.html|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514113054/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-has-administered-nearly-180mn-covid-vaccine-doses-till-now-101620991799116.html |archive-date=14 May 2021 }}</ref>

As per June 2021 figures of IMA, 776 doctors have died from COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web | url=https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/776-doctors-succumbed-to-covid-in-second-wave-highest-in-bihar-ima-79117 | title=776 doctors succumbed to COVID in second wave, highest in Bihar: IMA | publisher=Medical Dialogues | date=6 July 2021 | access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> Karnataka Government announces plan to construct a COVID-19 Memorial.<ref name="EconomicTimes-2021" />

=== Religion ===
{{Main|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion}}

[[File:New normal for the priest during Durga Puja 2020 DSCN7128 1.jpg|thumb|227x227px|A priest during [[Durga Puja]] in Kolkata, October 2020]]
On 4 March 2020, the Prime Minister tweeted that he would not be participating in [[Holi]] programmes due to COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=4 March 2020|editor-last=Bhasin|editor-first=Swati|title=Why PM Modi Won't Participate In Holi Events This Year|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-says-wont-participate-in-holi-events-as-experts-have-advised-to-reduce-mass-gatheri-2189565|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304102205/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-says-wont-participate-in-holi-events-as-experts-have-advised-to-reduce-mass-gatheri-2189565 |archive-date=4 March 2020 }}</ref> The pandemic and subsequent lockdown resulted in numerous religious festivals being largely celebrated within homes or seeing less than normal public turnouts adhering to social distancing guidelines.<ref name="Kumar-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Kumar|first=Rakesh|date=21 September 2020|title=Covid-19 is changing how India marks its religious festivals|url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3102093/religious-festivals-india-adapt-pandemic-new-normal|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921153940/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3102093/religious-festivals-india-adapt-pandemic-new-normal |archive-date=21 September 2020 }}</ref> The [[Char Dham]] was conducted in a controlled manner; in 2020 pilgrims numbered 400,000 while the previous year had seen 3,800,000 pilgrims.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=28 April 2021|title=Even as Uttarakhand Reels From Sharp Spike in COVID Cases, Char Dham Yatra To Go Ahead|url=https://thewire.in/health/uttarakhand-sharp-spike-covid-19-cases-char-dham-yatra-kumbh-mela|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The Wire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428121425/https://thewire.in/health/uttarakhand-sharp-spike-covid-19-cases-char-dham-yatra-kumbh-mela |archive-date=28 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Upadhyay|first=Vineet|date=23 July 2020|title=Char Dham Yatra: Uttarakhand mulling to allow pilgrims from other states|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jul/23/char-dham-yatra-uttarakhand-mulling-to-allow-pilgrims-from-other-states-2173821.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726100634/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jul/23/char-dham-yatra-uttarakhand-mulling-to-allow-pilgrims-from-other-states-2173821.html |archive-date=26 July 2020 }}</ref> Many religious institutions adapted and connected to their devotees via livestreaming, radio and television.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Menon|first=Shailesh|date=2 April 2020|title=God goes online as places of worship shut doors to save people|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/god-goes-online-as-places-of-worship-shut-doors-to-save-people/articleshow/74935115.cms|access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="Sharad2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Sharad|first1=Arpita|date=23 March 2020|title=Followers catch up on church service streaming live on various platforms|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/followers-catch-up-on-church-service-streaming-live-on-various-platforms/articleshow/74764511.cms|url-status=live|access-date=30 March 2020|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015051716/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/followers-catch-up-on-church-service-streaming-live-on-various-platforms/articleshow/74764511.cms |archive-date=15 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|report|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/2SoPstobefollowedinReligiousPlaces.pdf|title=SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in religious places/places of worship|date=4 June 2020|publisher=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605125444/https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/2SoPstobefollowedinReligiousPlaces.pdf}}</ref> Purported [[Superspreading event#COVID-19 pandemic: 2020–present|super-spreader]] events of a religious nature included the [[2020 Tablighi Jamaat COVID-19 hotspot in Delhi]],<ref name="WaPoSuperSpreader2Apr">{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Slater|first1=Joanna|last2=Masih|first2=Niha|last3=Irfan|first3=Shams|date=2 April 2020|title=India confronts its first coronavirus 'super-spreader' – a Muslim missionary group with more than 400 members infected|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/india-coronavirus-tablighi-jamaat-delhi/2020/04/02/abdc5af0-7386-11ea-ad9b-254ec99993bc_story.html}}</ref> and the 2021 Haridwar [[Kumbh Mela]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=10 May 2021|title=Kumbh Mela was super-spreader event in India: Report|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/05/10/kumbh-mela-was-super-spreader-event-in-india-report.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The Week|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510180646/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/05/10/kumbh-mela-was-super-spreader-event-in-india-report.html |archive-date=10 May 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last= |first= |date=10 May 2021 |title=India Covid: Kumbh Mela pilgrims turn into super-spreaders |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57005563 |url-status=live |work=[[BBC]] |location= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510190646/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57005563 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref> The state of Uttarakhand, where the Kumbh took place, saw an 1800% increase in COVID-19 transmission during the period when Kumbh was held.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Upadhyay|first=Vineet|date=27 April 2021|title=Mahakumbh impact? Uttarakhand active Covid caseload jumped 1,800% in 25 days|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/apr/27/mahakumbh-impact-uttarakhand-active-covid-caseload-jumped-1800-in-25-days-2295337.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427045517/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/apr/27/mahakumbh-impact-uttarakhand-active-covid-caseload-jumped-1800-in-25-days-2295337.html |archive-date=27 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=8 May 2021|title=After Kumbh, Uttarakhand Sees 1800% Jump in COVID-19 Cases|url=https://www.thequint.com/coronavirus/spike-covid-cases-uttarakhand-haridwar-maha-kumbh-mela-superspreader|url-status=live|access-date=11 May 2021|website=TheQuint|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508102716/https://www.thequint.com/coronavirus/spike-covid-cases-uttarakhand-haridwar-maha-kumbh-mela-superspreader |archive-date=8 May 2021 }}</ref> 2021 saw numerous religious events ignoring social distancing guidelines such as Holi and Eid.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=29 March 2021|title=Despite surge in cases, Covid guidelines flouted during Holi celebrations|url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/india-news/covid-19-holi-celebrations-7250394/|access-date=11 May 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Sadam|first=Rishika|date=8 May 2021|title=Covid protocols up in the air in Hyderabad's Eid markets, vendors say need to earnCovid protocols up in the air in Hyderabad's Eid markets, vendors say need to earn|url=https://theprint.in/health/covid-protocols-up-in-the-air-in-hyderabads-eid-markets-vendors-say-need-to-earn/654868/|access-date=11 May 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Rural and semi-rural India ===
Over 70% of India's population, i.e. over 740 million people in India, live in rural areas.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Census of India: Rural-Urban Distribution|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/census_data_2001/india_at_glance/rural.aspx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225200119/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/India_at_glance/rural.aspx|archive-date=25 February 2021|access-date=15 May 2021|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India}}</ref> The share of COVID cases in rural and semi-rural India increased from 40% in mid-July 2020 to 67% in August 2020.<ref name="Acharjee-2020">{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Acharjee|first=Sonali|date=21 September 2020|title=The rural surge|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20200921-the-rural-surge-1720878-2020-09-12|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912111511/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20200921-the-rural-surge-1720878-2020-09-12 |archive-date=12 September 2020 }}</ref> This increase in covid cases was largely attributed to the movement of COVID infected migrant workers from urban areas back to their native villages.<ref name="Acharjee-2020" /><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Singh|first1=Karan Deep|last2=Gettleman|first2=Jeffrey|date=8 October 2020|title='Rural Surge' Propels India Toward More Covid-19 Infections Than U.S.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/world/asia/india-covid-19-rural.html|access-date=15 May 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Issues aggravating the situation in rural and semi-rural areas include a severe lack of human resources in the health field.<ref name="Acharjee-2020" /> The second wave also saw migrants coming back from urbans areas, indicated by the sharp rise in employment generation through [[Mgnrega|MGNREGS]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Chauhan|first=Chetan|date=14 May 2021|title=As Covid second wave persists, MGNREGS comes to rural India's rescue, yet again|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/as-covid-second-wave-persists-mgnregs-comes-to-rural-india-s-rescue-yet-again-101620976797618.html|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514174836/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/as-covid-second-wave-persists-mgnregs-comes-to-rural-india-s-rescue-yet-again-101620976797618.html |archive-date=14 May 2021 }}</ref> By May 2021, more than half the cases in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were from rural areas.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=13 May 2021|title=More than 4,000 Indians die of COVID for second straight day|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/13/india-sees-362727-new-covid-cases-as-virus-ravages-rural-areas|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|publisher=Al Jazeera|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513070451/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/13/india-sees-362727-new-covid-cases-as-virus-ravages-rural-areas |archive-date=13 May 2021 }}</ref> Another indicator of the situation in villages is the rush of villagers to semi-urban and urban areas in search of healthcare, "about 30–35 per cent of the patients in hospitals in [[Bhopal]] are from villages and small towns located within a 200&nbsp;km radius. It's the same story in [[Indore]]."<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Noronha|first=Rahul|date=1 May 2021|title=Ground report: How Covid-19 has affected India's rural areas|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20210510-ground-report-how-covid-19-has-affected-india-s-rural-areas-1796993-2021-05-01|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501152247/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20210510-ground-report-how-covid-19-has-affected-india-s-rural-areas-1796993-2021-05-01 |archive-date=1 May 2021 }}</ref> On 16 May 2021 a UP government official confirmed the report that corpses of people who died from the virus in the rural areas had been dumped in the [[Ganges]] River due to lack of funds. Following this report, the UP state government announced that it will pay {{INRConvert|5000|lk=on|year=2021}} to poor families to cremate or bury the bodies of the dead.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web | last=Das | first=Krishna | title=Bodies of COVID-19 victims among those dumped in India's Ganges -govt document | work=Reuters | date=15 May 2021 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/bodies-covid-19-victims-among-those-dumped-indias-ganges-govt-document-2021-05-15/ | access-date=16 May 2021}}</ref>

=== Transport ===
17 March 2020 onwards, private airlines such as [[IndiGo]] and [[Go First]] started cancelling flights.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=17 March 2020|title=IndiGo cancels flights on Delhi-Istanbul, Chennai-Kuala Lumpur route from March18–31|website=Business Standard|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/indigo-cancels-flights-on-delhi-istanbul-chennai-kuala-lumpur-route-from-march18-31-120031701637_1.html|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Kundu|first=Rhik|date=17 March 2020|title=GoAir suspends international operations|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/goair-suspends-international-operations-sends-staff-on-leave-without-pay-11584451946542.html|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|access-date=18 March 2020|website=mint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318172616/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/goair-suspends-international-operations-sends-staff-on-leave-without-pay-11584451946542.html |archive-date=18 March 2020 }}</ref> On 19 March, the Government of India announced that no [[international flight]]s will be allowed to land in India from 22 March.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=19 March 2020|title=No international commercial flight will be allowed to land India from March 22|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/no-international-commercial-flight-will-be-allowed-to-land-india-from-march-22-599644|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2021|publisher=IndiaTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320083810/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/no-international-commercial-flight-will-be-allowed-to-land-india-from-march-22-599644 |archive-date=20 March 2020 }}</ref> On 23 March, the union government announced the suspension of all [[domestic flight]]s in the country starting 25 March.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Kundu|first=Rhik|date=23 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: India suspends domestic flights from 25 March|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-india-suspends-domestic-flights-from-25-march-11584962827845.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> [[Vande Bharat Mission]], a mass evacuation program, was started by the government of India to repatriate 250,000 stranded Indians around the world.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Majumder|first1=Arindam|last2=Phadnis|first2=Aneesh|date=5 May 2020|title=India set to bring home 250,000 stranded abroad; 64 flights deployed|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-plans-largest-human-evacuation-in-modern-history-from-may-7-120050501460_1.html|access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref> The Ministry of tourism in India launched Stranded in India for foreign tourists stranded in India to find information and access tourism support infrastructure. On 7 August, [[Air India Express Flight 1344]], a repatriation flight, crashed at [[Calicut International Airport]], killing 18.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=7 August 2020|title=Air India Express plane skids off runway, killing at least 18 and injuring more than 100|publisher=CBS News|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/air-india-plane-crash-dubai-calicut-passengers/|access-date=10 August 2020}}</ref> Two of the survivors tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=8 August 2020|title=Kozhikode Air India Express crash: CISF personnel quarantined after passengers test positive for coronavirus|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-kozhikode-air-india-express-crash-coronavirus-quarantine-6545458/|access-date=8 August 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

{{Multiple image
| image1            = Delhi metro covid signs.jpg
| image2            = Delhi metro covid signs 1.jpg
| footer            = ''(Left, Center)'' Social distancing signage on the [[Delhi Metro]].<br /> ''(Right)'' Quarantine and testing at Bengaluru Airport in April 2021.
| image3            = Bengaluru Airport ..Arrival International.jpg
}}

[[Indian Railways]] took various initiatives to fight against the pandemic. Initially this included removing curtains and blankets from AC coaches,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=14 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: Central, Western Railway withdraw curtains, blankets from AC coaches|newspaper=Business Standard India|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/coronavirus-central-western-railway-withdraw-curtains-blankets-from-ac-coaches-120031401174_1.html|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> hiking platform tickets,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Sharma|first=Anu|date=17 March 2020|title=Coronavirus impact: Railway platform ticket price hiked to Rs 50 in 250 stations|work=CNBC TV18|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/healthcare/coronavirus-impact-railway-platform-ticket-price-hiked-to-rs-50-in-250-stations-5501061.htm|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> and cancelling 3700 trains.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Dash|first=Dipak K|date=21 March 2020|title=Janata curfew: 3,700 trains cancelled on Sunday|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/janata-curfew-3700-trains-cancelled-on-sunday/articleshow/74740006.cms|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2021|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321111446/https://m.timesofindia.com/india/janata-curfew-3700-trains-cancelled-on-sunday/articleshow/74740006.cms |archive-date=21 March 2020 }}</ref> Metro services across India were suspended.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 March 2020|title=Metro services shut across India till March 31|work=The Economic Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/metro-services-shut-across-india-till-march-31/articleshow/74760183.cms|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref> On 22 March, all train services in the country were cancelled baring goods trains, that is around 12,500 trains, and all non-essential passenger transport including interstate transport buses.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 March 2020|title=After trains, interstate bus services suspended till 31st March|work=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/after-trains-interstate-bus-services-suspended-till-31st-march/articleshow/74758323.cms|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=IRCTC suspends bookings for its 3 private trains till April 30, amid nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus COVID-19|work=sarkaripaper.co,in|url=https://sarkaripaper.co.in/irctc-suspends-bookings-for-its-3-private-trains-till-april-30-amid-nationwide-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19/|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407135459/https://sarkaripaper.co.in/irctc-suspends-bookings-for-its-3-private-trains-till-april-30-amid-nationwide-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19/|archive-date=7 April 2020}}</ref> After Prime Minister Modi extended the nationwide lockdown to 3 May, Indian Railways suspended all services on its passenger trains and all ticket bookings indefinitely.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Agarwal|first=Nikhil|date=14 April 2020|title=Train services suspended till May 3, no ticket booking till further orders|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lockdown-extension-train-services-suspended-till-may-3-11586844695457.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> On 8 May, the [[Aurangabad railway accident]] occurred due to confusion related to the pandemic.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=8 May 2020|title=Aurangabad train accident: 16 migrant workers run over, probe ordered|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-lockdown-maharashtra-aurangabad-migrant-workers-killed-train-6399556/|access-date=18 February 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Public transport across the nation was affected.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=18 March 2020|agency=PTI|title=Bus services between Indore and Maharashtra to be suspended|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bus-services-between-indore-and-maharashtra-to-be-suspended-1657078-2020-03-18|url-status=live|access-date=14 May 2021|magazine=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319051426/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bus-services-between-indore-and-maharashtra-to-be-suspended-1657078-2020-03-18 |archive-date=19 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Vasdev|first=Kanchan|date=20 March 2020|title=Punjab to ban public transport from March 21|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/punjab-to-ban-public-transport-from-march-21/|url-status=live|access-date=19 March 2020|website=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319100829/https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/punjab-to-ban-public-transport-from-march-21/ |archive-date=19 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=19 March 2020|title=Govt bans public transport in Srinagar to prevent spread of Coronavirus|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/srinagar/govt-bans-public-transport-in-srinagar-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus/|access-date=19 March 2020|website=Greater Kashmir}}</ref>

==== Shift to private transport ====
People's mobility preferences were linked to their income levels. Higher household income correlated with increased adoption of [[Remote work|work-from-home]] (WFH) measures.<ref name=":0" /> Higher income groups tended to own private vehicles and had more WFH opportunities. Both lower and higher-income commuters shifted to private vehicles, with the latter favoring two-wheelers.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|journal |title=Lessons from the COVID-19 crisis for building solutions |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346170827_PANDEMIC_AND_MOBILITY_Lessons_from_the_COVID-19_crisis_for_building_solutions_A_Centre_for_Science_and_Environment_Paper |journal=Molecular Biology}}</ref>

[[Public transport]]ation and shared vehicles, which provide few [[social distancing]] options for work travel, saw sharp drops during the first pandemic phase.<ref name=":0" /> Similarly, trip shares for using private vehicles for work-related purposes declined,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |last=Agrawal,howindialives.com |first=Rangoli |date=2020-10-31 |title=How the pandemic has changed city commutes, in six charts |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/how-the-pandemic-has-changed-city-commutes-in-six-charts-11604073842150.html |access-date=2025-10-14 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> perhaps as a result of [[Remote work|work-from-home]].

During the pandemic, women shifted to more [[Remote work|work-from-home]] compared to men.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:Cite|journal |last=Bhaduri |first=Eeshan |last2=Manoj |first2=B. S. |last3=Wadud |first3=Zia |last4=Goswami |first4=Arkopal K. |last5=Choudhury |first5=Charisma F. |date=2020-11-01 |title=Modelling the effects of COVID-19 on travel mode choice behaviour in India |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590198220301846 |journal=Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives |volume=8 |article-number=100273 |doi=10.1016/j.trip.2020.100273 |issn=2590-1982|doi-access=free }}</ref> Before COVID, women made more discretionary trips. A [[The Energy and Resources Institute|TERI]] study showed reduced metro use among women in [[National Capital Region (India)|Delhi NCR]].<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:Cite|web |title=IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON URBAN MOBILITY IN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM A  PERCEPTION STUDY |url=https://www.teriin.org/sites/default/files/2020-05/behavioural-effects-covid19_0.pdf}}</ref> Women were expected to increase personal car use by 9% and use taxis and autorickshaws more.<ref name=":1" /> In [[Bengaluru|Bangalore]] and [[Kolkata]], women increased their use of intermediate [[public transport]] and cars, respectively.<ref name=":1" /> Men continued to dominate car use.<ref name=":0" />

=== Other ===
[[File:Shop vaccination certificate in Telangana.jpg|thumb|Many shopkeepers have posted "Shop vaccination certificates" in their shops to create psychological ease in their visiting customers]]
{{See also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports|Misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic by governments#India}}In March 2020, there were several incidents of panic buying in India related to the pandemic.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Nanisetti|first1=Serish|date=22 March 2020|title=Panicky shoppers clear out grocery shops|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/panicked-shoppers-clear-out-grocery-shops/article31131827.ece|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=22 March 2020|title=No need for panic buying of milk|work=Ahmedabad Mirror|url=https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/no-need-for-panic-buying-of-milk/articleshow/74754049.cms|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref> Retailers and consumer goods firms saw their average daily sales more than double on 19 March as consumers rushed to buy essentials ahead of Modi's address to the nation.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Malviya|first1=Sagar|last2=Bhushan|first2=Ratna|date=20 March 2020|title=Panic buying goes a notch up ahead of PM Modi's address|work=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/panic-buying-goes-a-notch-up-ahead-of-pm-modis-address/articleshow/74721852.cms|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> Modi assured the citizens that there was enough food and ration supplies and advised them against panic buying.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=19 March 2020|title=Janata curfew, avoid panic buying, stay at home: PM Modi's 9 key messages for Indians|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.com/india/coronavirus-outbreak-pm-modis-9-key-messages-for-indians/articleshow/74716261.cms|access-date=15 May 2021}}</ref> The lockdown disrupted [[Food security|food supplies]] and threatened to trigger a [[food crisis]].<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Biswas|first=Soutik|date=7 April 2020|title=Will coronavirus lockdown cause food shortages in India?|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52176564|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Yadav|first1=Anumeha|date=19 April 2020|title=India: Hunger and uncertainty under Delhi's coronavirus lockdown|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/india-hunger-uncertainty-delhi-coronavirus-lockdown-200418095253032.html|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> By the first week of April, essential industries such as growing, harvesting and food deliveries were allowed to operate.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Roy|first1=Rajesh|last2=Agarwal|first2=Vibhuti|date=8 April 2020|title=India's Food Supply Chain Frays as People Stay Home|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/indias-food-supply-chain-frays-as-people-stay-home-11586343607|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref>

A number of sporting events and fixtures in India were suspended, postponed or conducted behind closed doors such as the [[India Open|Indian Open]] badminton tournament,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=14 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: India Open Badminton Tournament Cancelled|website=Outlook|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/sports-news-coronavirus-india-open-badminton-tournament-cancelled/348760|access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref> [[I-League]],<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Mukherjee|first1=Soham|date=14 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: I-League matches suspended from March 15|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/coronavirus-i-league-matches-suspended-from-march-15/1ujkopnrik7ww11yarhfvjhxxj|access-date=18 March 2020|website=Goal.com}}</ref> [[2020 Indian Super League final]],<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Mergulhao|first=Marcus|date=13 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: ISL final to be held behind closed doors|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/coronavirus-isl-final-to-be-held-behind-closed-doors/articleshow/74605305.cms |access-date=13 March 2020|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=12 March 2021|title=Refund process for Hero ISL 2019–20 final ticket holders|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/refund-process-for-hero-isl-2019-20-final-ticket-holders|url-status=live|access-date=13 March 2020|website=Indian Super League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319195533/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/refund-process-for-hero-isl-2019-20-final-ticket-holders |archive-date=19 March 2020 }}</ref> [[World 10K Bangalore|TCS World 10 Bengaluru]], the [[IAAF Road Race Label Events|IAAF Gold Label Road Race]],<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|author1=Biji Babu Cyriac|date=26 March 2020|title=TCS World 10K Bengaluru postponed|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/athletics/tcs-world-10k-bengaluru-postponed/articleshow/74831080.cms|access-date=5 April 2020}}</ref> and a [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC second round|FIFA World Cup qualification]] match (India versus Qatar).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=India's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Qatar postponed due to coronavirus outbreak|work=India Today|date=7 March 2020 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/india-vs-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2020-qualifiers-coronavirus-bhubaneswar-postponed-1653414-2020-03-07|url-status=live|access-date=7 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308222645/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/india-vs-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2020-qualifiers-coronavirus-bhubaneswar-postponed-1653414-2020-03-07|archive-date=8 March 2020}}</ref> The 2020 [[ISSF World Cup]], which was to commence on 15 March in New Delhi, was postponed.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=6 March 2020|title=Virus hits Indian sports|work=The Economic Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/virus-hits-indian-sports/articleshow/74519560.cms|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> On 13 March, the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] (BCCI) announced that the opening of the [[2020 Indian Premier League|2020 IPL]] was postponed from 29 March to 15 April; the tournament was eventually suspended indefinitely.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |last=Gollapudi |first=Nagraj |date=14 April 2020 |title=With India in lockdown, IPL 2020 suspended indefinitely |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/with-india-in-lockdown-ipl-2020-suspended-till-further-notice-1220733 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519053347/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29034887/bcci-set-defer-ipl-indefinitely-india-lockdown |archive-date=19 May 2020 |access-date=15 April 2020 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Rao|first=K Shriniwas|date=13 March 2020|title=It's official: IPL 2020 postponed to April 15 due to coronavirus|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/its-official-ipl-2020-postponed-to-mid-april-due-to-coronavirus/articleshow/74609776.cms|access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref> The IPL was eventually play in United Arab Emirates in September and November 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web |date=2 August 2020 |title=Indian government gives IPL 2020 the green signal |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2020-uae-to-host-tournament-from-september-19-to-november-10-1228264 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802165234/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29583375/ipl-2020-uae-indian-government-gives-green-signal |archive-date=2 August 2020 |access-date=2 August 2020 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> BCCI also cancelled the [[South African cricket team in India in 2019–20|ODI matches between India and South Africa]] on 15 and 18 March, which were originally announced to be played without spectators.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Rao|first1=Rakesh|date=13 March 2020|title=India-South Africa series called off due to COVID-19 threat|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/coronavirus-india-south-africa-series-called-off-due-to-covid-19-threat/article31061061.ece|access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref>

From 7 March 2020, the [[Border Security Force]] decided to conduct the [[Wagah-Attari border ceremony]] without any spectators.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=6 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: Attari border ceremony to be conducted without public presence|work=Livemint|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-attari-border-ceremony-to-be-conducted-without-public-presence-11583503640550.html|access-date=6 March 2020}}</ref> The [[Orders, decorations, and medals of India|Padma Awards]] ceremony, scheduled for 3 April 2020, was postponed.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Singh|first1=Jitendra Bahadur|date=14 March 2020|title=Upcoming Padma Awards ceremony postponed in wake of coronavirus outbreak|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rashtrapati-bhavan-padma-awards-postponed-coronavirus-outbreak-1655564-2020-03-14|access-date=14 March 2020|website=India Today}}</ref> On 17 March 2020, it was announced that all historical buildings in the country would remain closed to visitors;<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=17 March 2020|title=Coronavirus impact: Statue of Unity closed for public; ASI shuts all monuments|url=https://m.businesstoday.in/story/coronavirus-impact-statue-of-unity-closed-for-public-asi-shuts-all-monuments/1/398477.html|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021|website=Business Standard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317170753/https://m.businesstoday.in/story/coronavirus-impact-statue-of-unity-closed-for-public-asi-shuts-all-monuments/1/398477.html |archive-date=17 March 2020 }}</ref> the monuments were opened to the public on 6 July 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=7 July 2020|title=ASI monuments, including Red Fort and Qutub Minar, opened for public; footfalls barely touch 100|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/asi-monuments-including-red-fort-and-qutub-minar-opened-for-public-footfalls-barely-touch/617922|access-date=8 July 2020|website=Times Now}}</ref>

The [[International Indian Film Academy Awards]], scheduled to take place on 27 March 2020, was cancelled.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=6 March 2020|title=IIFA 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus scare, fresh date to be announced soon|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/iifa-2020-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus-scare-fresh-date-to-be-announced-soon/story-QtJSVSQyxqYIC1qIEVTvPN.html|access-date=6 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Cinema halls were shut down; film bodies decided to stop the production of films, TV shows and web series until 31 March 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Jha|first1=Lata|date=15 March 2020|title=Coronavirus scare in India: All film, TV, web shoots cancelled|work=Livemint|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/coronavirus-scare-in-india-all-film-tv-web-shoots-cancelled-11584279151544.html|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> On 25 March 2020, all major video streaming services in the country jointly announced that they would restrict streaming of [[High-definition video|high definition]] video on cellular networks during the 21-day lockdown, to preserve network capacity and infrastructure.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Laghate|first=Gaurav|date=25 March 2020|title=Video streaming services like Netflix, Hotstar suspend HD streaming on cellular networks|work=The Economic Times|url=https://m.economictimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/video-streaming-services-like-netflix-hotstar-suspend-hd-service-on-cellular-networks/articleshow/74807392.cms|access-date=15 May 2021}}</ref>

== Statistics ==
{{See also|Statistics of the COVID-19 pandemic in India}}

Cases have been reported in all states and union territories.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/|title=Home {{!}} Ministry of Health and Family Welfare {{!}} GOI|website=mohfw.gov.in|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> Reconciliation of data has been undertaken by a number of states and union territories, significantly [[Maharashtra]] and [[Bihar]], with respect to deaths.<ref name="EconomicTimes-2021-1">{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=12 June 2021|title=Covid death recount: Late reporting is not peculiar to India alone|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/covid-death-recount-late-reporting-is-not-peculiar-to-india-alone/articleshow/83451989.cms?from=mdr|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Ghosh|first=Poulomi|date=21 July 2021|title=Maharashtra reconciles over 3,000 Covid deaths pushing India's daily toll to 3,998|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maharashtra-reconciles-over-3-000-covid-deaths-pushing-india-s-daily-toll-to-3998-101626845777446.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 July 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721054710/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maharashtra-reconciles-over-3-000-covid-deaths-pushing-india-s-daily-toll-to-3998-101626845777446.html |archive-date=21 July 2021 }}</ref> Between 1 and 5 June 2021, 7.6 million tests were reconciled.<ref name="EconomicTimes-2021-1" />

=== Undercounting of cases and deaths ===
{{Main|Undercounting of COVID-19 pandemic deaths by country}}

{{Wikinews|According to recent study, deaths in India number roughly 4 million during COVID-19 pandemic}}

Undercounting of total cases and death figures was reported during the first wave in 2020. The discrepancies were detected by comparing official death counts released by the governments to the number of deaths reported in obituaries, at crematoria and burial grounds, etc. Some states were reported to have not added suspected cases to the final count contrary to WHO guidelines.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-54985981|title=India coronavirus: How a group of volunteers 'exposed' hidden Covid-19 deaths|last=Biswas|first=Soutik|publisher=BBC|date=20 November 2020|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53773070|title=Coronavirus: How many Covid-19 deaths is India missing?|last=Biswas|first=Soutik|publisher=BBC|date=18 August 2020|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://science.thewire.in/health/india-mccd-comorbidities-covid-19-deaths-undercounting/|title=India Is Undercounting Its COVID-19 Deaths. This Is How.|last=Pulla|first=Priyanka|work=The Wire|date=4 August 2020|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref> Similar undercounting was reported during the second wave in 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Krishnan|first=Murali|date=26 April 2021|title=Coronavirus: Is India counting all COVID deaths?|url=https://www.dw.com/en/india-coronavirus-death-toll/a-57338733|url-status=live|access-date=27 April 2021|publisher=Deutsche Welle|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426141630/https://www.dw.com/en/india-coronavirus-death-toll/a-57338733 |archive-date=26 April 2021 }}</ref> There have been large gaps noted between official death figures and the sudden increase in the number of bodies being cremated and buried. Several crematoria that had been in disuse earlier were brought back into operation to keep up with the demand.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-covid-19-deaths-in-gujarat-far-exceed-government-figures/article34352916.ece|title=COVID-19 deaths in Gujarat far exceed government figures|last=Langa|first=Mahesh|work=The Hindu|date=18 April 2021|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://thewire.in/government/ghaziabad-agra-jhansi-bareilly-covid-death-data-up-government|title=In Ghaziabad and Other Districts, Data on Ground Disproves UP's 'Zero COVID Deaths' Claim|last=Ara|first=Ismat|work=The Wire|date=18 April 2021|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref> Although the 2021 wave had the largest number of deaths, a study of the pandemic's first wave in 2020 showed excess deaths as high as 1.19 million people, with life expectancy dropping most precipitously among Muslims, [[scheduled castes]], and women.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|journal |last1=Gupta |first1=Aashish |last2=Hathi |first2=Payal |last3=Banaji |first3=Murad |last4=Gupta |first4=Prankur |last5=Kashyap |first5=Ridhi |last6=Paikra |first6=Vipul |last7=Sharma |first7=Kanika |last8=Somanchi |first8=Anmol |last9=Sudharsanan |first9=Nikkil |last10=Vyas |first10=Sangita |title=Large and unequal life expectancy declines during the COVID-19 pandemic in India in 2020 |journal=Science Advances |date=19 July 2024 |volume=10 |issue=29 |article-number=eadk2070 |doi=10.1126/sciadv.adk2070 |pmid=39028821 |pmc=11259167 |bibcode=2024SciA...10K2070G }}</ref>

A series of articles in ''[[The Hindu]]'' newspaper in 2021 estimated that compared to previous years, the number of additional deaths during the pandemic (known as the 'excess mortality') was about four times the official COVID death toll in Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai, and could be up to ten times higher in the state of Gujarat. However, it is not clear what proportion of these are due to COVID and what are due to other factors such as overcrowding of medical facilities, lock-down, etc.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://science.thewire.in/health/india-covid-19-deaths-under-counting-all-cause-mortality-data/|title=In Kolkata and Chennai, Actual COVID Death Toll May Be Four Times Higher|place=New Delhi|work=The Wire|date=31 May 2021|access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> A report by the [[Center for Global Development]] stated that the second wave of COVID-19 in India was the "worst tragedy since the [[Partition of India|partition]]". The report, based on serosurveys, household data and official data, pointed towards a significant underreporting of deaths, with estimates ranging from about 1 million to 6 million deaths overall, [https://www.science.org/content/article/covid-19-may-have-killed-nearly-3-million-india-far-more-official-counts-show with central estimates varying between 3.4 and 4.9 million deaths.]<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Mordani|first=Sneha|title=2nd Covid wave was India's worst tragedy since Partition, saw up to 49 lakh excess deaths: Report|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/2nd-covid-wave-was-india-worst-tragedy-since-partition-saw-up-to-49-lakh-excess-deaths-1830894-2021-07-21|access-date=21 July 2021|website=India Today|date=21 July 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=India's Excess Deaths During Pandemic up to 4.9 Million, Study Shows|url=https://thewire.in/health/indias-excess-deaths-during-pandemic-up-to-4-9-million-study-shows|access-date=22 July 2021|website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>Saha, K. (2023). Underreporting of COVID-19 Deaths in India: Bad Science or Smart Politics?. Medical Research Archives, 11(2).[https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/3497/99193546655]</ref>

On the evening of 11 April, two reporters from the Gujarati language newspaper [[Sandesh (Indian newspaper)|''Sandesh'']] and a photojournalist staked out the mortuary of the 1,200-bed state-run COVID-19 hospital in [[Ahmedabad]]. Over 17 hours, they counted 69 body bags coming out of a single exit before they were loaded into waiting ambulances. Next day, Gujarat officially counted 55 deaths, including 20 from Ahmedabad. Again on the night of 16 April, these journalists visited 21 cremation grounds around Ahmedabad and counted more than 200 bodies, with photographic and video evidence. The next day Ahmedabad counted only 25 deaths. Similar disparities in numbers were seen on other days.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Biswas|first=Soutik|date=10 May 2021|title=India's Covid crisis: The newsroom counting the uncounted deaths|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-56969086}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Bhattacharya|first1=Ananya|last2=Shendruk|first2=Amanda|date=27 May 2021|title=The death counters: How journalists in Narendra Modi's home state exposed India's Covid-19 deception|url=https://qz.com/india/2009723/how-journalists-are-exposing-indias-true-covid-19-death-toll/|url-status=live|website=Quartz|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527163838/https://qz.com/india/2009723/how-journalists-are-exposing-indias-true-covid-19-death-toll/ |archive-date=27 May 2021 }}</ref> The Gujarat government denied the under-counting and stated that they were following federal protocols.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=14 April 2021|title=Toll haze in Gujarat: If comorbid, Covid death not counted?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/toll-haze-if-comorbid-covid-death-not-counted/articleshow/82056748.cms|url-status=live|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414005332/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/toll-haze-if-comorbid-covid-death-not-counted/articleshow/82056748.cms |archive-date=14 April 2021 }}</ref>

A study conducted by the [[University of California, Berkeley]], and units of [[Harvard University]], estimated in August 2021 that more than 16,000 excess deaths had occurred in 54 municipalities in Gujarat between March 2020 and April 2021. The study used data from civil death registers in a subset of Gujarat's 162 municipalities. The authors stated that the "vast majority" of these deaths could likely be attributed directly to COVID-19. The government's estimate of the death toll from COVID-19 for the entire state was approximately 10,000 for the same period.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Mudur |first1=G. S. |title=Gujarat Covid death toll: A dubious 'world record' |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/covid-death-count-in-gujarat-a-dubious-world-record/cid/1828152 |access-date=28 August 2021 |work=The Telegraph |date=27 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last1=Ray |first1=Kalyan |title=Covid-19 second surge: Gujara records 480% excess mortality in April 2021, world's highest |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/covid-19-second-surge-gujarat-records-480-excess-mortality-in-april-2021-world-s-highest-1023911.html |access-date=28 August 2021 |work=Deccan Herald |date=26 August 2021}}</ref>

As of February 2022, according to the country's federal health ministry's daily statement, the number of deaths had risen to 500,055, up 1,072 in the previous 24 hours, while the total number of infections was 41.9 million.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Presse|first=Agnce|date=4 February 2022|title=India's coronavirus death toll passes 500,000|page=1|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/04/india-coronavirus-death-toll-passes-500000|access-date=5 February 2022}}</ref>

In April 2022, ''The New York Times'' reported that India was preventing the WHO from publishing its estimate of the global death toll from the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news |last1=Nolen |first1=Stephanie |last2=Singh |first2=Karan Deep |date=2022-04-16 |title=India Is Stalling the W.H.O.'s Efforts to Make Global Covid Death Toll Public |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/16/health/global-covid-deaths-who-india.html |access-date=2022-04-16 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In May 2022, the [[World Health Organization]] reported the number of Covid deaths in India to be an estimated 4.7 million mainly during a surge in May - June 2021, a figure that is almost 10 times the official number and nearly a third of the estimated global Covid deaths.<ref name="WHO estimate" /> The figure is similar to other estimates of Indian Covid deaths, but Indian authorities have rejected these estimates and questioned the methodology used.<ref name="Biswas"/><ref name="WHO estimate"/> This WHO report reflect people who died of COVID-19 and also those who died as an indirect result of the virus. The report "accounts for deaths averted during the pandemic, for example because of the lower risk of traffic accidents during lockdowns." WHO said it was yet to fully examine new data provided by India and it may add a disclaimer due to ongoing conversation with India.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2022/05/06/covid-led-to-15-not-5-million-deaths-globally-who-says/|title=COVID led to 15 not 5 million deaths globally, WHO says|publisher=Israel Hayom|date=6 May 2022}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[COVID-19 pandemic death rates by country]]
* [[COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia]]
* [[SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund]]
* [[Vaccine Maitri]]
*A list of COVID-19 articles by state [[Template:COVID-19 pandemic in India]]
* [[Evacuations related to the COVID-19 pandemic]]

== Notes ==
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== References ==
<references />

== Further reading ==

;Articles
* {{#invoke:Cite|citation|last=Sharma|first=Vyoma Dhar|title='Each Burning Pyre Is a Screeching Horror' – Notes From India's COVID Frontline|date=9 May 2021|url=https://science.thewire.in/health/each-burning-pyre-is-a-screeching-horror-notes-from-indias-covid-frontline/|publisher=The Wire Science}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|citation|last=Kelkar|first=Ram|title=India's COVID-19 Crisis Is Due to Its Collective Failure, Blaming Others Doesn't Help|date=9 May 2021|url=https://thewire.in/health/indias-covid-19-crisis-is-due-to-its-collective-failure-blaming-others-doesnt-help|work=The Wire}}
*{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Munjal|first=Diksha|date=2 September 2021|title=How News18 and WION anchors imagined a 'western media bias' in Covid reporting|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/09/02/how-news18-and-wion-anchors-imagined-a-western-media-bias-in-covid-reporting |website=Newslaundry}}

;Government
* {{#invoke:Cite|citation|title=COVID-19 Vaccines. Operational Guidelines. (Updated as on 28 December 2020).|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/COVID19VaccineOG111Chapter16.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226005117/https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/COVID19VaccineOG111Chapter16.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.|archive-date=26 February 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|citation|title=COVID-19 Vaccine. Communication Strategy.|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Covid19CommunicationStrategy2020.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129211131/https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Covid19CommunicationStrategy2020.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.|archive-date=29 January 2021}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|citation|title=Science and Technology Efforts in India on COVID-19. Exclusive Edition on Vaccines & Immunisation.|date=31 January 2021|url=https://vigyanprasar.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/vp-Covid-Newsletter-31Jan2021.pdf|publisher=Vigyan Prasar (An Autonomous Organisation of Department of Science & Technology, Government of India).}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|citation|title=Science and Technology Efforts in India on COVID-19. Exclusive Edition on Outreach Initiatives.|date=28 February 2021|url=https://vigyanprasar.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/vp-Covid-Newsletter-28Feb2021.pdf|publisher=Vigyan Prasar (An Autonomous Organisation of Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|https://www.mygov.in/covid-19|COVID-19}} on [[MyGov.in]] – Government's portal for COVID-19
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|title=District Map of CoViD-19 in India|url=https://fieldmaps.in/covid19/|website=fieldmaps.in|access-date=2 May 2020}}
* [https://vigyanprasar.gov.in/covid19-newsletters/ Vigyan Prasar COVID-19 newsletters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308045139/https://vigyanprasar.gov.in/covid19-newsletters/ |date=8 March 2022 }}. 36 Issues between 10 April 2020 to 11 May 2021.
* {{YouTube|playlist=PL1a9DHjZmejE-Ep2PAu2OR8HBfLP0BLIk|title=}} – COVID-19 Management videos by the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]]
* {{#invoke:Cite|web|last1=Prasad|first1=R.|url=https://creatives.thehindu.com/covid_19_ebook.pdf|title=The Pandemic Notebook|last2=Perappadan|first2=Bindu Shajan|last3=Shelar|first3=Jyoti|work=The Hindu|year=2020|editor-last=George|editor-first=P.J.|ref=none}}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web |last1=Khaiwal |first1=Ravindra |last2=Mor |first2=Suman |title=Kids, Vaayu & Corona: Who wins the fights (A comic series for COVID-19 awareness) |url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Corona_comic_PGI.pdf |website=www.mohfw.gov.in |publisher=MoHFW, Government of India |access-date=11 June 2020 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721200304/https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Corona_comic_PGI.pdf }}
* {{#invoke:Cite|web |title=Coronavirus in India: Latest Map and Case Count |url=https://www.covid19india.org |website=www.covid19india.org |publisher=A crowdsourced initiative. |language=en}} (javascript required)
* {{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/countries-and-territories/india/ |work=Reuters |title=Reuters Covid-19 Tracker India. Current charts of infections, deaths, vaccinations|date=15 July 2022 }}

{{COVID-19 pandemic in India|state=collapsed}}
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