View source for Indian government response to the COVID-19 pandemic

{{short description|Actions by the Indian government on COVID-19 pandemic}}
{{About||Indian state government responses|Indian state government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic}}
{{Further|COVID-19 pandemic in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic sidebar}}
The first responses of the [[government of India]] to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 pandemic in the country]] involved thermal screenings of passengers arriving from [[China]], the country from which the [[coronavirus disease 2019]] originated, as well as of passengers arriving from other countries. As the pandemic spread worldwide, the Indian government recommended [[social distancing]] measures and also initiated travel and entry restrictions. Throughout March 2020, several shutdowns and business closures were initiated, and by the end of the month, the Indian government ordered [[COVID-19 lockdown in India|a widespread lockdown]]. An economic package was announced in May 2020.

==Background==

On 12 January 2020, the WHO confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in [[Wuhan City]], Hubei, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.<ref name=Elsevier>{{cite web |url=https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center |title=Novel Coronavirus Information Center |last=Elsevier |website=Elsevier Connect|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130171622/https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center|archive-date=30 January 2020|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref><ref name=Reynolds4March2020>{{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 |work=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>

==Initial measures==
===January–February 2020===
Protective measures were first applied in January. India began thermal screening of passengers arriving from China on 21 January.<ref>{{Cite news|date=21 January 2020|title=Coronavirus: Thermal screening of passengers flying in from China at 7 airports|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/china-coronavirus-thermal-screening-of-passengers-flying-in-from-china-at-7-airports/articleshow/73493350.cms|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> Initially carried out at seven airports, it was expanded to 20 airports towards the end of January.<ref>{{Cite news|date=29 January 2020|title=Alarming spread: on novel coronavirus outbreak|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/alarming-spread/article30677660.ece|access-date=2 May 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> During February, the screening was extended to passengers from Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.<ref>{{cite web|title=Passengers coming from Japan and South Korea will also be screened for COVID-19|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/passengers-arriving-from-japan-and-south-korea-will-also-be-screened-for-covid-19-all-3-patients-in-india-recovered-11581762093232.html|last1=M.K|first1=Neetu Chandra Sharma,Nidheesh|date=15 February 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia were added to the list towards the end of February.<ref>{{cite web|title=Coronavirus: Indian Airports To Now Screen Passengers From Four More Countries Including Nepal|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-coronavirus-convid-19-india-airports-to-screen-passengers-from-4-countries-nepal-indonesia-vietnam-and-malaysia/347751|website=Outlook|date=23 February 2020}}</ref> Very few new cases were discovered during February, The [[Indian Council of Medical Research]] (ICMR) admitted that airport screening alone was insufficient.<ref name="ICMR study">{{cite web|title=ICMR Study Suggests Its Testing Strategy Was Flawed, Airport Screening a Miss|url=https://science.thewire.in/health/coronavirus-testing-icmr-testing-strategy-covid-19-diagnostic-kits-community-transmission/|last1=Pulla|first1=Priyanka|date=28 March 2020|website=The Wire Science}}</ref>

=== March 2020 ===
[[File:Coronavirus Do's & Don'ts by Indian MoHFW.pdf|thumb|Awareness poster released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|alt=|293x293px]]

By early to mid-March, the government had drawn up plans to deal with a worsening of the pandemic in the country.  This included seven ministries working together to set up additional quarantine and treatment facilities across the country. States and twenty ministries, including [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Home]], [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Defence]], [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Railways]], [[Ministry of Labour and Employment (India)|Labour]], [[Ministry of Minority Affairs|Minority Affairs]], [[Ministry of Civil Aviation (India)|Aviation]] and [[Ministry of Tourism (India)|Tourism]], were informed of the containment plan.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Mishra|first1=Mihir|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/covid-19-seven-ministries-to-set-up-quarantine-facilities/articleshow/74586054.cms|title=Covid-19: Seven ministries to set up quarantine facilities|date=12 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref> Plans to avoid a panic-like situation were also made. The [[Ministry of Textiles]] was to ensure the availability of protective and medical materials. The [[Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers|Department of Pharmaceuticals]] was to ensure the availability of essential medicines. The [[Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution]] was asked to ensure availability of essentials.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-outbreak-govt-working-on-a-containment-plan/articleshow/74504048.cms?from=mdr|title=Coronavirus outbreak: Govt working on a 'containment plan'|date=6 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref>

On 17 March, the [[Government of India]] issued an advisory, urging to all Indian states to take [[social distancing]] measures as a preventive strategy for implementation till 31 March.<ref>{{cite web |title=Govt calls for social distancing| url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/govt-calls-for-social-distancing-as-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-124-11584384445401.html|website=livemint| date=17 March 2020}}</ref> A government directive was issued asking all [[Central Armed Police Force]]s to get into battle mode; all non-essential leave was cancelled.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/covid-19-government-asks-capfs-to-axe-non-essential-leaves-of-troops-get-into-battle-mode/articleshow/74689685.cms|title=COVID-19: Government asks CAPFs to axe non-essential leaves of troops, get into 'battle mode'|date=18 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=18 March 2020|agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/enter-battle-mode-paramilitary-forces-told-after-virus-infects-soldier-2196796|title='Enter Battle Mode,' Paramilitary Forces Told After Virus Infects Soldier|last1=Sharma|first1=Neeta|date=18 March 2020|editor-last=Srinivasan|editor-first=Chandrashekar|publisher=NDTV|access-date=18 March 2020}}</ref> A [[COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force]] was also formed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ddnews.gov.in/national/covid-19-task-force-deal-economic-challenges|title=COVID-19: Task Force to deal with economic challenges {{!}} DD News|website=ddnews.gov.in|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-narendra-modi-forms-economic-response-task-force-calls-for-janata-curfew/articleshow/74715013.cms?from=mdr|title=PM Narendra Modi forms economic response task force, calls for 'Janata Curfew'|date=20 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>

[[Government of India|Union]] and [[State governments of India|state governments]] set up national and state helpline numbers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Coronavirus Helpline Numbers |url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf |publisher=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |access-date=27 March 2020}}</ref>

=== April 2020 ===
Major Indian cities and many states made wearing facial masks compulsory.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/coronavirus-india-face-masks-prison-police-who-delhi-mumbai-a9458516.html|title=Coronavirus: India makes face masks mandatory for more than 300m people, punishable by up to six months in prison|date=10 April 2020|work=The Independent}}</ref>

On 29 April, The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] issued guidelines for the states to allow inter-state movement of the stranded persons. States have been asked to designate nodal authorities and form protocols to receive and send such persons. States have also been asked to screen the people, quarantine them and to do periodic health checkups.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/mha-allows-movement-of-migrants-tourists-students-stranded-at-various-places-11588164377351.html|title=MHA allows movement of migrants, tourists, students stranded at various places|date=29 April 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=29 April 2020}}</ref>

India's Health Ministry published its Guidelines on COVID-19 management, which included approval of hydroxychloroquine. These guidelines were later criticized by physician Anup Agarwal for "disregarding the evidence [on the drug's inefficacy]".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Agarwal |first1=Anup |title=Misinformed and misleading |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/misinformed-and-misleading/article34433205.ece |work=The Hindu |publisher=The Hindu |date=29 April 2021 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

==Travel and entry restrictions==
On 3 March 2020, the Indian government stopped issuing of new visas. Previously issued visas for the nationals of Iran, South Korea, Japan, and Italy were suspended.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boi.gov.in/content/advisory-travel-and-visa-restrictions-related-covid-19 |title=Advisory: Travel and Visa restrictions related to COVID-19 |website=Bureau of Immigration}}</ref>

All visas were suspended on 13 March, except for diplomatic and other official visas, as well as the visa-free travel for [[Overseas Citizen of India|Overseas Citizens of India]]. Indians returning from COVID-affected countries were asked to be quarantined for 14 days.<ref name=":2">
{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-impact-visas-to-india-suspended-till-april-15-2193382 |title=India Suspends All Tourist Visas Till April 15 Over Coronavirus: 10 Facts |website=NDTV.com |access-date=12 March 2020}}
</ref><ref>{{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> These measures were expanded to citizens from Europe, Gulf countries and Asian countries including Malaysia on 17–18 March.<ref>{{cite news |title=Travel from EU, U.K. banned as India tightens preventive steps |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-government-prohibits-entry-of-passengers-from-eu-turkey-uk-from-march-18/article31083949.ece |newspaper=the hindu |date=16 March 2020 |access-date=17 March 2020 |last1=Perappadan |first1=Bindu Shajan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Coronavirus Pandemic: India bans entry of passengers from these countries with immediate effect |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/coronavirus-pandemic-india-bans-entry-of-passengers-from-these-countries-with-immediate-effect/1900372/ |website=The Financial Express |date=17 March 2020}}</ref>

The land border with [[Myanmar]] began to be restricted on 9 March with the initiative of the state governments of [[Mizoram]] and [[Manipur]].<ref>
{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-mizorams-international-borders-to-be-sealed/article31025105.ece |title=Coronavirus: Mizoram's international borders to be sealed |date=9 March 2020 |work=The Hindu |access-date=10 March 2020 |agency=Press Trust of India  |issn=0971-751X}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/covid-19-india-closes-border-with-myanmar-in-manipur/videoshow/74560495.cms |title=Covid-19: India closes border with Myanmar in Manipur |website=The Times of India – Videos  |access-date=10 March 2020}}
</ref> On 13 March, the Government of India closed passenger traffic from all neighbouring countries other than Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/GuidelinesDT13032020.pdf |title=GuidelinesDT13032020.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323075951/https://www.mohfw.gov.in/GuidelinesDT13032020.pdf |archive-date=23 March 2020 |access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> The traffic from Pakistan itself was closed on 16 March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/NewinstructionsDt14032020Restirctiononinternationalpassengertraffic.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319061749/https://www.mohfw.gov.in/NewinstructionsDt14032020Restirctiononinternationalpassengertraffic.pdf |archive-date= 19 March 2020 |title=Restriction on international passenger traffic through Land Check Posts in view of the spread of COVID-19 |website=mohfw.gov.in |url-status=dead |access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> Travel and registration for [[Kartarpur Corridor|Sri Kartarpur Sahib]] was also suspended on this date.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/15/coronavirus-pilgrimage-to-kartarpur-sahib-suspended.html |title=Coronavirus: Pilgrimage to Kartarpur Sahib suspended |website=The Week  |access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref>

=== Screening ===
On 4 March 2020, the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare|Minister of Health and Family Welfare]], [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]], announced compulsory screening of all international passengers arriving in India. He also stated that as of then, 589,000 people had been screened at airports, over one million screened at borders with Nepal and around 27,000 were under community surveillance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/union-health-minister-harsh-vardhan-all-international-flights-to-be-screened-for-coronavirus-2189659 |title=Passengers Of All International Flights To Be Screened For Virus: Centre |website=NDTV.com |access-date=4 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304094159/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/union-health-minister-harsh-vardhan-all-international-flights-to-be-screened-for-coronavirus-2189659 |archive-date=4 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/all-international-arrivals-to-give-travel-history-at-airports/articleshow/74467810.cms?from=mdr |title=Coronavirus: All international arrivals to India to share travel history at airports |date=4 March 2020 |newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref>

== Closedown and curfews ==
Over the month of March, multiple states across the country began shutting down schools, colleges, public facilities such as malls, gyms, cinema halls and other public places to contain the spread.
* '''On 15 March,''' [[Ministry of Culture (India)|Ministry of Culture]] closed all monuments and museums under [[Archaeological Survey of India]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/all-asiprotected-monuments-central-museums-across-india-to-be-shut-till-march-31-govt/1763377|title=All ASI-protected monuments, central museums across India to be shut till March 31: Govt|work=Outlook}}</ref>
* '''On 23 March''', [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra]] ordered a statewide curfew and closure of state borders.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/uddhav-thackeray-imposes-curfew-in-entire-maharashtra/articleshow/74775886.cms?from=mdr|title=Uddhav Thackeray imposes curfew in entire Maharashtra|date=23 March 2020|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref>

==Lockdown==
{{Main|COVID-19 lockdown in India}}
[[File:Lockdown Vadodara 01.jpg|thumb|Empty roads during the lockdown in [[Vadodara]], Gujarat]]
On 22 March, the [[Government of India]] announced complete lockdown in 82 districts in 22 states and the Union Territories of the country where confirmed cases were reported.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/82-districts-under-lockdown-over-covid-19-what-s-open-and-what-is-shut/story-c1AEMZXuuXN6FvmrAdRvsJ.html|title=82 districts under lockdown over Covid-19: What is shut and where|date=23 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=23 March 2020}}</ref> 80 cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marpakwar |first1=Prafulla |title=Poor public response pushed govt to declare lockdown in Mumbai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/poor-public-response-pushed-govt-to-declare-lockdown-in-mumbai/articleshow/74766049.cms |access-date=23 March 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=23 March 2020}}</ref> Chandigarh<ref>{{cite news |title=Chandigarh orders lock down till March 31 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/chandigarh-orders-lock-down-till-march-31/article31135191.ece |access-date=22 March 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=23 March 2020}}</ref> and Kolkata were put under lockdown.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gunasekar |first1=Arvind |last2=Bhattacharji |first2=Chetan |title=Coronavirus: 80 Cities Across India Go Into Lockdown Till March 31. What It Means |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-covid-19-80-cities-across-india-go-into-lockdown-till-march-31-what-it-means-2198894 |access-date=23 March 2020 |publisher=NDTV |date=23 March 2020}}</ref> Some states sealed their borders barring inter-state movement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-outbreak-lockdown-in-delhi-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan-telangana-andhra-nagaland-full-details-1658523-2020-03-22|title=Coronavirus outbreak: States impose lockdown in battle against Covid-19 {{!}} All you need to know|website=India Today|access-date=23 March 2020}}</ref>

On 24 March, PM Narendra Modi announced a complete 21-day national lockdown to contain the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/health/narendra-modi-on-coronavirus-speech-live-updates-streaming-watch-india-pm-address-to-nation-on-covid-19-today-latest-news-lockdown-janata-curfew-8182241.html|title=Narendra Modi on Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: India under complete shutdown for 21 days starting 12 pm tonight, says PM|work=Firstpost}}</ref> By 6 April, the doubling rate had slowed to six days from earlier figure of three days.<ref name="The Print slowed">{{cite web|title=R0 data shows India's coronavirus infection rate has slowed, gives lockdown a thumbs up|url=https://theprint.in/science/r0-data-shows-indias-coronavirus-infection-rate-has-slowed-gives-lockdown-a-thumbs-up/399734/|last1=Ramesh|first1=Sandhya|date=14 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

After his consultation with CMs and administrators of states and UTs on 11 April, [[Prime Minister of India|PM]] [[Narendra Modi]] announced lockdown extension till 3 May in his address to nation on 14 April, with conditional relaxations in areas with lower spread from 20 April.<ref name="lockdownext">
{{cite news |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 |newspaper=Livemint |date=14 April 2020}}
</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Telangana CM suggests lockdown extension by two weeks|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lockdown-in-telangana-extended-till-june-3/articleshow/75014509.cms|access-date=6 April 2020|website=Business Insder}}</ref>

On 1 May, the [[Government of India]] extended nationwide lockdown further by two weeks until 17 May.<ref name="Lockdown17May">{{Cite web|title=Lockdown extended till 17 May: What will open, remain closed|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lockdown-extended-till-17-may-what-will-open-remain-closed-11588340829516.html|date=1 May 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=14 May 2020}}</ref> On 17 May, NDMA extended the lockdown till 31 May in all Indian states.<ref name="Lockdown4">{{cite web |title=Coronavirus lockdown extended till 31 May, says NDMA| url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-lockdown-4-0-coronavirus-lockdown-extended-till-31-may-says-ndma-11589715203633.html|website=livemint| date= 17 May 2020|access-date= 17 May 2020}}</ref>

On 30 May, it was announced that lockdown restrictions were to be lifted from then onwards, while the ongoing lockdown would be further extended till 30 June for only the containment zones. Services would be resumed in a phased manner starting from 8 June. It was termed as "Unlock 1.0".<ref name="NDTVUnlock12">{{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> PM Modi later clarified that the lockdown phase in the country was over and that 'unlock' had already begun.<ref name="ModiLockdownPhaseOver">{{Cite news|date=17 June 2020|title=Lockdown phase over, says Modi|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/lockdown-phase-over-says-modi/article31855472.ece|access-date=8 July 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

While generally regarded as necessary,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lockdown-in-india-was-early-this-was-far-sighted-courageous-move-who-special-envoy-on-covid-19/story-wNdCkNVOqV5gCN8Du9jJ3N.html |title='Lockdown in India was early, far-sighted and courageous': WHO envoy – india news |work=Hindustan Times |date= 2 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> the implementation of the lockdowns was also criticised for worsening the problems of the people.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lockdown & Labour Pain: The Demand for MNREGA Work Has Never Been so Strong, Says Economist Jean Dreze|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/lockdown-labour-pain-the-demand-for-mnrega-work-has-never-been-so-strong-says-economist-jean-dreze-2600383.html|first1=Rupashree|last1=Nanda|date=1 May 2020|website=News18|access-date=23 May 2020}}</ref><ref>The Economist, "Pandemic trade-offs", 4 April 2020, page 14.</ref>

=== Zonal classification ===
The Government Divided the entire nation into three zones – Green Zone, Red Zone, Orange Zone. Relaxations would be allowed accordingly.<ref>{{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|website=NDTV.com|access-date=1 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Classification of zones for COVID-19|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/classification-of-zones-for-covid-19/articleshow/75496494.cms|website=Business Insider|access-date=8 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Full list of Red, Yellow, Green Zone districts for Lockdown 3.0|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/red-orange-green-zones-full-current-update-list-districts-states-india-coronavirus-1673358-2020-05-01|website=India Today|access-date=8 May 2020}}</ref>
* '''Red zone (Hotspots)''' – districts with high doubling rate and high number of active cases
* '''Orange zone (Non-hotspots)''' – districts with fewer cases
* '''Green zone''' – districts without confirmed cases or without new cases in last 21 days

==Communication and economic stimulus==
{{Quote box
| width = 24%
| align = right
| quote = 'Prepare, but don't panic' has been India's guiding mantra in dealing with the virus outbreak. Our region has reported less than 150 coronavirus cases, but we need to remain vigilant. Step-by-step approach helped avoid panic, made special efforts to reach out to vulnerable groups.
| source = – Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the video conference with SAARC nations, 15 March 2020.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |title=India offers $10 mn for coronavirus emergency fund: PM Modi to SAARC leaders| url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/saarc-video-conference-live-we-evacuated-1-400-indians-from-different-countries-says-modi-11584273185030.html|website=Livemint| date=15 March 2020}}</ref>
}}

[[File:PM Modi’s address to the nation on Corona Virus.webm|right|thumb|Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's televised address about Coronavirus on 19 March 2020]]
[[File:PM Modi's address to the nation on vital aspects relating to COVID-19 menace.webm|right|thumb|Modi's address about COVID-19 on 24 March 2020]]
On 19 March, during a 30-minute live telecast, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked all citizens to observe a '[[Janata Curfew]]' (people's curfew) from 7{{nbsp}}am to 9{{nbsp}}pm on 22 March. During this curfew he asked everyone, except those involved in essential services, to stay at home. He also asked people to avoid routine checkups and [[Elective surgery|elective surgeries]] to reduce the burden on the health system. He announced the formation of a [[COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force]]. To acknowledge the work being done by various sectors during the outbreak, he urged people to gather in front of their own doors, windows or balconies at 5{{nbsp}}pm and applaud them for five minutes. State and local authorities were told to blow the siren to remind people about the same.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/-janata-curfew-and-other-highlights-from-pm-modi-s-address-to-the-nation-11584632651166.html|title='Janata Curfew' and other highlights from PM Modi's address to the nation|work=Livemint}}</ref> On 24 March, Modi announced a nationwide lockdown from midnight of that day, for a period of 21 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/covid-19-indian-pm-modi-announces-complete-lock-down-starting-march-25-1.1585060911566|title=COVID-19: Indian PM Modi announces complete lock down starting March 25|website=Gulf News}}</ref> He also announced a {{INRConvert|150|b}} aid for the healthcare sector. This money would be used for developing testing facilities, [[Personal protective equipment|PPEs]], [[Intensive care unit|ICUs]], [[Ventilators]] and for training medical workers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/rs-15000-crore-alloted-for-healthcare-to-fight-coronavirus-says-pm-modi/story/399119.html|title=Rs 15,000 crore allotted for healthcare to fight coronavirus, says PM Modi|website=businesstoday.in}}</ref> On 3 April, PM Modi addressed the nation to turn off the lights for nine minutes and lighting the [[candle]]s on 5 April.<ref>{{cite web |title=PM Modi urges countrymen to dispel the darkness spread by coronavirus by lighting a candles on April 5| url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-modi-urges-countrymen-to-dispel-the-darkness-spread-by-coronavirus-by-lighting-a-candle-on-april-5/articleshow/74959545.cms|website=The Economic Times| date= 3 April 2020|access-date= 3 April 2020}}</ref>

In an address on 14 April, PM Modi asked the citizens to follow seven steps to help in the fight against coronavirus, "Use homemade masks, Take care of elderly people, Protect jobs, Help the poor and needy, follow the guidelines set by [[Ministry of AYUSH]] to improve immunity and download the Aarogya Setu app to track your health."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/pm-modi-covid-lockdown-speech-highlights-6361722/ |title = PM Modi's lockdown speech highlights: 'India did not wait for the problem to grow'|date = 15 April 2020}}</ref>

In a live telecast on 12 May, PM Modi announced an economic package of {{INRConvert|20|t}} for '[[Atmanirbhar Bharat|Atma Nirbhar Bharat]]' (self reliant India).<ref>{{cite news|URL= https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-announces-rs-20-trillion-stimulus-package-to-restart-economy-11589295611168.html|title= PM Modi announces ₹20&nbsp;trillion stimulus package to restart economy
|website= Livemint}}</ref> The economic package is nearly 10% of the GDP. He added that Special economic package was for labourers, farmers, honest tax payers, MSMEs and cottage industries<ref>{{cite news|URL=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/coronavirus-cases-in-india-live-news-latest-updates-may12/liveblog/75686251.cms|title= PM announces Lockdown 4.0; Rs 20 lakh crore package for 'self reliant' India|website=The Economic Times}}</ref> Modi added that the five main pillars India stands on are – economy, infrastructure, governing systems, vibrant democracy and supply chain.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-lockdown-pm-modis-address-to-the-nation-on-may-12-2020/article31566800.ece|title=Coronavirus lockdown: Modi announces ₹20-lakh-crore package|website= The Hindu}}</ref>

=== Economic package ===
{{Main|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in India#Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan}}
On 12 May 2020, the Prime Minister, in an address to the nation, said that the coronavirus crisis should be seen as an opportunity, laying emphasis on domestic products and "economic self-reliance", creation of an ''Atmanirbhar Bharat'' ({{Translation|Self-reliant India}}) through ''Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'' ({{Translation|Self-reliant India Mission}}). He announced a 20{{nbsp}}trillion rupees stimulus package, equivalent to 10% of India's GDP, which was laid out in detail by the [[Minister of Finance (India)|Finance Minister]] in a series of tranches.<ref name=":442">{{Cite web|last1=Misra|first1=Udit|date=13 May 2020|title=PM Modi's self-reliant India Mission economic package: Here is the fine print|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/narendra-modi-coronavirus-economic-package-india-self-reliance-6406939/|access-date=13 May 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref name=":452">{{Cite web|last1=Agarwal|first1=Nikhil|date=13 May 2020|title=Sitharaman announces EPF relief, TDS rate cut; ITR filing deadline extended|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/nirmala-sitharaman-live-press-conference-to-announce-details-of-rs-20-lakh-crore-economic-package-coronavirus-latest-updates-11589364147153.html|access-date=13 May 2020|website=Livemint}}</ref>
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]], [[Minister of Finance (India)|Finance Minister]] announced a ₹1.70 Lakh Crore($24 billion) relief package under '''Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana''' for the poor.<ref>{{cite news|date=26 March 2020|title=Finance Minister announces Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1608345}}</ref>
* ₹500 each to 19.86 crore women [[Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana|Jan Dhan]] account holders.
* LPG cylinders to be provided to 8 crore poor families for the next three months free of cost.
* ₹1,000 for senior citizens to tide over difficulties during the next three months.
* As of 11 April, ₹28,256 crores($4 billion) were disbursed through PMGKY to nearly 32 crore beneficiaries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana: 32 crore beneficiaries get Rs 28,256 crore|url=https://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/pradhan-mantri-garib-kalyan-yojana-004500468.html}}</ref>
* Rs 50,000-Crore in [[Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan|Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan]] for returnee migrant workers.<ref>{{cite news|date=Jun 20, 2020|title=PM Modi Launches Rs 50,000-Crore Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan For Migrant Workers|publisher=Odisha TV|url=https://odishatv.in/nation/pm-modi-launches-rs-50000-crore-garib-kalyan-rojgar-abhiyan-for-migrant-workers-457896}}</ref>

=== Legal announcements ===
{{see also|Essential Services Maintenance Act|Essential Commodities Act}}
On 11 March 2020, the [[Cabinet Secretary of India]], [[Rajiv Gauba]], announced that all states and UTs should invoke provisions of Section 2 of the [[Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/the-123-year-old-law-that-india-may-invoke-as-more-and-more-coronavirus-cases-emerge/articleshow/74593639.cms|title=The 123-year-old law that India may invoke to counter coronavirus|date=12 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/health/to-combat-coronavirus-india-invokes-provisions-of-colonial-era-epidemic-act-all-you-need-to-know-8142601.html|title=To combat coronavirus, India invokes provisions of colonial-era Epidemic Diseases Act: A look at what this means|date=12 March 2020|website=Firstpost|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref>

On 14 March, the union government declared the pandemic as a "notified disaster" under the [[Disaster Management Act, 2005]], enabling states to spend a larger part of funds from the State Disaster Response Fund to fight the virus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-declares-coronavirus-a-notified-disaster-lists-compensation-2194915|title=India Declares Coronavirus A Notified Disaster|date=14 March 2020|editor-last=Srinivasan|editor-first=Chandrashekar|publisher=NDTV|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-declares-coronavirus-outbreak-as-a-notified-disaster-11584184739353.html|title=India declares coronavirus outbreak as a notified disaster|date=14 March 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref>

==Evacuations==
{{Main|Evacuations by India related to the COVID-19 pandemic}}
[[File:Minister visiting the Coronavirus Quarantine Centre 2.jpg|thumb|The Minister of State for Home Affairs, [[Nityanand Rai]] visiting evacuees at the Coronavirus Quarantine Centre, after completion of their requisite quarantine period, at the ITBP Chhawla Centre, in New Delhi on 13 March 2020.]]
The [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]] under [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Minister]] [[Subrahmanyam Jaishankar]], [[Air India]], the [[Indian Air Force]] and the [[Indian Navy]] have been successful in evacuating many Indian nationals and certain foreign nationals from the virus-affected areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-special-flights-land-in-delhi-after-evacuation-from-japan-china-11582773171379.html|title=Coronavirus: Special flights land in Delhi after evacuation from Japan, China|first1=Elizabeth|last1=Roche|date=27 February 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=5 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228151542/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-special-flights-land-in-delhi-after-evacuation-from-japan-china-11582773171379.html|archive-date=28 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-extended-offer-of-evacuating-people-from-wuhan-to-all-its-neighbours-jaishankar-in-rajya-sabha/story-eoa4XVzKN3WGQFAsAEJP2H.html|title=India offered to evacuate students of all neighbours, says Jaishankar on Pak students in Wuhan|date=7 February 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=5 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223060302/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-extended-offer-of-evacuating-people-from-wuhan-to-all-its-neighbours-jaishankar-in-rajya-sabha/story-eoa4XVzKN3WGQFAsAEJP2H.html|archive-date=23 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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=2 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228162735/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/iaf-air-india-flights-evacuate-indians-foreigners-wuhan-japan-ship-1650379-2020-02-27|archive-date=28 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Government of India]] began a mega evacuation of distressed Indian citizens from across the globe called "[[Vande Bharat Mission]]" in early May. It deployed several commercial jets, military transport planes and naval warships in what is set to be one of the biggest-ever peacetime repatriation exercise in history. In the first phase, around 14,800 citizens stranded in 13 countries would be brought back by 64 flights.<ref>{{cite news|URL=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coronavirus-lockdown-15-000-indians-7-days-64-flights-india-s-mega-evacuation-plan-begins-11588672358074.html|title = 15,000 Indians, 7 days, 13 countries, 64 flights: Govt's mega evacuation plan starts|date= 6 May 2020|website=Livemint}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|URL= https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vande-bharat-mission-air-india-to-begin-massive-evacuation-ops/1826308| title = Vande Bharat Mission: Air India to begin massive evacuation ops|website=Outlookindia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|URL= https://www.livemint.com/news/india/vande-bharat-mission-how-air-india-plans-to-execute-massive-evacuation-ops-11588813788955.html| title = Vande Bharat Mission: How Air India plans to execute massive evacuation ops|website=livemint}}</ref>

[[Ministry of Civil Aviation (India)|Ministry of Civil Aviation]] in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs planned phase two of the Vande Bharat Mission to bring Indian citizens from nearly 31 countries around the world for which 149 flights will be deployed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vande-bharat-mission-second-phase-india-flights-6406489/ |title=Vande Bharat mission phase 2: 149 AI flights to 31 countries |work=The Indian Express |date=13 May 2020 |access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref>

== Law enforcement ==
On 16 March, the father of a woman, whose husband had tested positive for coronavirus in [[Bangalore|Bengaluru]], was booked by [[Agra]] police for allegedly misleading authorities about the whereabouts of his daughter, who was a suspected patient.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/16/india-first-coronavirus-fir-father-of-techie-wife-who-fled-agra-booked.html|title=India's first coronavirus FIR: Father of infected techie's wife booked for 'misleading authorities'|work=The Week}}</ref> [[Lucknow]] police lodged an [[First information report|FIR]] against [[Bollywood]] singer, [[Kanika Kapoor]] for alleged negligence in compliance of necessary directives post her return from London.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/kanika-kapoor-booked-for-negligence-after-leaving-a-trail-of-quarantined-vips/story-QfNRessOzhF4Ieqks9Zz5N.html|title=Kanika Kapoor booked for negligence after leaving a trail of quarantined VIPs|work=Hindustan Times}}</ref> On 21 March, a chemist was booked for allegedly selling [[N95 mask]]s at over four times higher than the fixed price in [[Himachal Pradesh]]'s [[Kangra district]].<ref>{{cite news |title=FIR against Chemist for Selling N95 Masks at Four Times of Fixed Price in HP's Kangra |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/fir-against-chemist-for-selling-n95-masks-at-four-times-of-fixed-price-in-hps-kangra-2545919.html |access-date=28 March 2020 |publisher=News18 India |date=28 March 2020}}</ref> A case was registered against a [[Coca-Cola]] plant in [[Himachal Pradesh]] for operating in violation of lockdown order.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/fir-against-coca-cola-factory-in-hp-for-violation-of-coronavirus-lockdown-11585029163888.html|title=FIR against Coca Cola factory in HP for violation of coronavirus lockdown|work=Livemint}}</ref> Hyderabad traffic police seized 2,480 vehicles for violating the lockdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsmeter.in/hyderabad-traffic-police-seize-2480-vehicles-for-violating-lockdown/|title=Hyderabad traffic police seize 2,480 vehicles for violating lockdown|last1=Network|first1=Newsmeter|date=24 March 2020|website=NewsMeter|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref> On 26 March, Delhi police arrested a 40-year-old man and seized his [[scooty]] for allegedly calling a [[Northeast India|northeastern]] woman "coronavirus" and spitting [[paan]] at her.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/man-arrested-for-calling-northeast-woman-corona-spitting-on-her-delhi-police-2200793|title=Man Arrested For Calling Northeast Woman "Corona", Spitting On Her: Delhi Police|publisher=NDTV}}</ref> On 27 March, an [[Infosys]] employee from [[Bengaluru]] was arrested for his social media post that encouraged people to venture out and spread the virus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Infosys Employee Arrested Over "Spread-The-Virus" Post, Company Sacks Him |url=https://www.ndtv.com/karnataka-news/coronavirus-lockdown-india-infosys-employee-arrested-over-spread-the-virus-post-company-sacks-him-2201926 |access-date=28 March 2020 |publisher=NDTV |date=28 March 2020}}</ref>

Amidst rampant profiteering, black marketing, fraud and hoarding in relation to the pandemic, [[Delhi Police]] had filed over 600 cases and arrested over 300 people until 22 May 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=2021-05-23|title=More than 300 held for crimes exploiting Covid-19 crisis, says Delhi Police|work=Business Standard India|agency=PTI|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/more-than-600-cases-registered-over-300-held-for-covid-related-crimes-delhi-police-121052300013_1.html|access-date=2021-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-05|title=Delhi: 113 FIRs filed over Covid profiteering|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-113-firs-filed-over-covid-profiteering-7302192/|access-date=2021-05-24|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Uttar Pradesh arrested around 160 people for pandemic related crimes.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Hari|last2=Gettleman|first2=Jeffrey|date=2021-05-17|title='This is a moral crisis': Desperate India falls prey to Covid-19 scammers|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/as-covid-cases-surge-desperate-indians-fall-prey-to-covid-scammers-121051700103_1.html|access-date=2021-05-24}}</ref> [[Mumbai Police]] informed the court that at least 2000 people in Mumbai in nine different private vaccination camps were administered fake vaccines.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gokhale|first=Omkar|date=2021-06-24|title=Over 2000 people administered fake vaccines, Mumbai Police tells High Court|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/fake-covid-vaccines-mumbai-police-high-court-7374007/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-25|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> [[Kolkata Police]] and the West Bengal state health department found "dust and some liquid" from vaccines at a fake vaccination site in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rajaram|first=Prema|date=24 June 2021|title=Kolkata cops seize ‘dust and liquid’ vials from fake vaccination site where TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty took jab|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/kolkata-cops-vials-fake-vaccination-site-hundreds-jabs-tmc-mp-mimi-chakraborty-1819014-2021-06-24|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-25|website=India Today}}</ref>

== Judiciary ==
India's judiciary has been active during the pandemic, trying to ensure accountability among other things.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Krishnan|first=Murali|date=7 May 2021|title=COVID: Indian courts demand government accountability|url=https://www.dw.com/en/covid-indian-courts-demand-government-accountability/a-57463723|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-10|website=DW|language=en-GB}}</ref> In early May 2021, the Supreme Court of India set up a 12-member task force to take up the availability of medical oxygen in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rawal|first=Swapnil|date=2021-05-10|title='Mark of Centre's failure': Sena on Supreme Court-constituted Covid task force|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/supreme-court-constituted-covid-task-force-a-mark-of-centre-s-failuresena-101620645078425.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-10|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Amid the pandemic and cases of the government restricting criticism, the Supreme Court upheld free flow of information.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 May 2021|title=Free flow: SC upholds transparency in communication of information|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/free-flow-sc-upholds-transparency-in-communication-of-information/cid/1814654|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-10|website=Telegraph India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mascarenhas|first=Anuradha|date=2021-05-08|title=PM Modi's attempts to stifle criticism during Covid pandemic 'inexcusable': Lancet|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/the-lancet-india-covid-crisis-narendra-modi-7306942/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-10|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

==International relations==

=== 2020 ===
On 26 February, India sent 15 tons of [[Surgical mask|masks]], gloves and other emergency medical equipment by an Indian Air Force jet to China. The medical supplies sent to China included one hundred thousand masks, five hundred thousand pairs of gloves, 75 infusion pumps, and 30 internal feeding pumps.<ref>{{cite web |title=India provided 15 tonnes of medical supplies worth Rs 2.11 crore to coronavirus-hit China: Government| url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-provided-15-tonnes-of-medical-supplies-worth-rs-2-11-crore-to-coronavirus-hit-china-government/amp_articleshow/74693578.cms|website=The Economic Times|date=18 March 2020}}</ref>

On 13 March, PM Narendra Modi proposed that [[SAARC]] nations jointly fight the pandemic, an idea that was welcomed by the leaders of [[Nepal]], [[Maldives]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Bhutan]], [[Bangladesh]], and [[Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-bats-for-joint-saarc-strategy-to-fight-coronavirus-gets-prompt-support-from-neighbours/articleshow/74616095.cms|title=PM Modi bats for joint Saarc strategy to fight coronavirus, gets prompt support from neighbours |date=13 March 2020|agency=Press Trust of India |website=The Times of India|access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref> On 15 March, after a video conference of [[SAARC]] leaders,<ref name=":5"/> he allocated {{INRConvert|74|c|lk=on|year=2020}} of funds classified as COVID-19 Emergency Fund for the SAARC countries.<ref name=":5" />

On 4 April, the Government of India banned the export of [[hydroxychloroquine]] "without any exception", to stockpile supplies for domestic use.<ref name="Caravan HCQ">{{cite web|title=Stuck in a policy haze, government takes back export ban on COVID-19 related drug HCQ|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/healt/covid-19-hydroxychloroquine-hcq-export-ban-lifted-donald-trump|last1=Krishnan|first1=Vidya|website=The Caravan|date=7 April 2020}}</ref> The United States, which imports half its supply of the drug from India and expects to use it for treating COVID-19 patients, grew concerned. The US President [[Donald Trump]] called Prime Minister Modi the next day, and hinted at possible retaliation in a press conference. India agreed to allow its export on "humanitarian grounds".<ref name="LA Times HCQ">{{cite web|title=India says it will ship hydroxychloroquine to U.S. after Trump threatens retaliation|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-04-07/india-ship-hydroxychloroquine-u-s|date=7 April 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|first1=Shashank|last1=Bengali|first2=Vidya|last2=Krishnan|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> Apart from the US, India had outstanding orders for hydroxychloroquine from some 30 countries, including Brazil, Spain, France, UK, Germany, Australia, the Gulf countries and the SAARC neighbours. The decision to partially lift the ban preceded President Trump's comment on possible retaliation.<ref>{{cite web|title=India partially lifts ban on export of hydroxychloroquine to help US, others fight Covid-19|url=https://theprint.in/diplomacy/india-partially-lifts-ban-on-export-of-hydroxychloroquine-hours-after-trumps-threat/396792/|last1=Basu|first1=Nayanima|date=7 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

On 11 April, India sent a team of 15 doctors and health care professionals to [[Kuwait]] to assist in its fight against coronavirus, following a telephone conversion between prime minister Modi and the Kuwaiti prime minister [[Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah]]. Kuwait was facing 1,154 COVID-19 cases at this time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Covid-19: India sends a team of doctors, medical staff to Kuwait|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-india-sends-a-team-of-doctors-medical-staff-to-kuwait-11586618621306.html|last1=Roche|first1=Elizabeth|date=11 April 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rapid response team from India reaches Kuwait to combat COVID-19|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/kuwait/rapid-response-team-from-india-reaches-kuwait-to-combat-covid-19-1.1586619932751|website=Gulf News|date=11 April 2020}}</ref>

On 16 April, India sent 85 million [[hydroxychloroquine]] tablets and 500 million paracetamol tablets to 108 countries. In addition, one thousand tons of paracetamol granules were also sent to make paracetamol tablets.<ref>{{cite web |title=India dials up medical diplomacy, sends 85 mn HCQ tablets to 108 countries| url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-dials-up-medical-diplomacy-sending-85-mn-hcq-tablets-to-108-countries/story-O6n44wY3cNKWUcKqKdphGP.html|website=Hindustan Times| date= 16 April 2020|access-date= 16 April 2020}}</ref>

On 10 May the Indian government sent Naval ship [[INS Kesari (2005)|INS Kesari]], which carried medical teams, essential medicines and food items to the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles following separate requests for help in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roche|first=Elizabeth|date=2020-05-10|title=India sends food and medical assistance to Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/india-sends-food-and-medical-assistance-to-maldives-mauritius-madagascar-11589116053550.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-11|website=LiveMint|language=en}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 May 2020|title=India sends medical assistance to five friendly nations|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-sends-medical-assistance-to-five-friendly-nations/articleshow/75656655.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-04-11}}</ref>

=== 2021 ===
On 11 April, the Indian government announced it would ban the export of [[remdesivir]], citing a growing domestic demand for the drug.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alfonso|first=Fernando|date=11 April 2021|title=India bans export of anti-viral drug remdesivir as Covid-19 cases rise|url=https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-04-11-21/h_5f0e17ae798ef1805ade6f2004157fed|url-status=live|access-date=11 April 2021|website=CNN|language=en}}</ref>

==Aarogya Setu==
{{main|Aarogya Setu}}

The [[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]] launched a smart phone application called '''Aarogya Setu''' to help in "contact tracing and containing the spread" of COVID-19 pandemic in the nation. The [[World Bank]] lauded the early deployment of such technology to combat the pandemic. Amid growing privacy and security concerns, the government released the source code of the app, making it [[Open-source software|open-source]] on 26 May. The Government has promoted voluntary adoption of the app in its guidelines and standard operating procedures.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/with-aarogya-setu-app-india-has-shown-the-way-says-world-bank/articleshow/75113753.cms |title = Aarogya Setu app, India has shown the way, says World Bank &#124; India News – Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://m.economictimes.com/tech/software/how-to-use-aarogya-setu-app-and-find-out-if-you-have-covid-19-symptoms/articleshow/75023152.cms |title = How to use Aarogya Setu app and find out if you have coronavirus symptoms|newspaper=The Economic Times|date = 15 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Aryan|first=Aashish|date=28 May 2020|title=Explained: What making Aarogya Setu open-source means|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-what-making-aarogya-setu-open-source-means-6430348/|access-date=30 May 2020|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

== Public opinion ==
According to two opinion polls by [[Morning Consult]] and [[CVoter]] in May 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approval ratings had dropped to its lowest in a number of years. However he still remains the most popular politician in India.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Miglani|first=Sanjeev|last2=Ghoshal|first2=Devjyot|date=2021-05-18|title=PM Modi’s rating falls to new low as India reels from COVID-19|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/pm-modis-rating-falls-india-reels-covid-19-second-wave-2021-05-18/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Reuters}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Indian state government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
* [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion]]
* [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics]]
* [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic}}
{{COVID-19 pandemic in India}}


[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in India|Government response]]
[[Category:National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by country]]
[[Category:Political responses to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]