Prognosis

Modi Fights Pressure to Lock Down India as Virus Deaths Rise

One of nation’s biggest industry bodies seeks strict measures
Economic cost weighs on ordering a nationwide lockdown

WATCH: "If oxygen is not available, what can you do right now?"Millions of Indians across the globe, one of the world’s largest diasporas, are struggling to help their relatives overseas as Covid-19 ravages India.(Source: Quicktake)

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By Upmanyu Trivedi and Michelle Fay Cortez

May 3, 2021 at 1:34 PM UTC

Updated on

May 4, 2021 at 5:07 AM UTC

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Two weeks ago, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on states to only consider lockdowns “as the last option.” Now everyone from his political allies to top business leaders and U.S. President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser see them as the only way to stem the world’s worst virus outbreak.