India became Asia's no 1 on May 28. The next day their daily new cases and daily death both set new record. There's a mix of lockdown extension and easing, looking at the trend, they still have a long path ahead despite Modi's pompous words. Good chance to climb into the world's top five.
Modi declares India on path to victory over pandemic
Benjamin Parkin in New Delhi
India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, on Saturday acknowledged the “tremendous suffering” of the country’s migrant workers due to the coronavirus lockdown but said the nation was on the path to victory over Covid-19.
Mr Modi, in a letter on the anniversary of the start of his second term in office, also said the country would rebound economically faster than expected.
“Given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against the coronavirus, there is a firm belief that we will also set an example in economic revival,” he wrote.
But many have argued that India remains on a precarious path despite the gradual easing of nationwide lockdown measures that were introduced more than two months ago.
India is now the worst affected country in Asia with around 170,000 confirmed infections, and cases continue to rise fast. The country’s reported death toll of almost 5,000 has also surpassed China’s official tally.
The economic impact is also expected to be dire. India’s gross domestic product growth slowed to a decade low of 3.1 per cent in the quarter ended March, which reflected only the first week of the lockdown. Economists anticipate months of economic pain even after the restrictions end.
Mr Modi said India had exceeded many international expectations in how it has managed the outbreak so far. “This is a long battle but we have started traversing on the path of victory, and victory is our collective resolve,” he wrote.
Related link: Modi declares India on path to victory over pandemic
