India records highest one-day rise of coronavirus cases; PM says COVID-19 fight truly people-driven, cautions against complacency

As India recorded the highest one-day rise of 1,975 coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country's fight against COVID-19 was truly "people-driven" and this was the "only way" to overcome the pandemic with the road ahead expected to figure in his upcoming discussions with chief ministers.

Amid indications that his third round of video interaction with the chief ministers on Monday since the COVID-19 outbreak could also focus on a graded exit from the 40-day lockdown, Modi asked people to shun any complacency that they will not be infected by coronavirus because it has so far not affected the places where they live or work. The lockdown is due to end on May 3.

In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast, Modi said the country is in the middle of a 'yudh' (war) and asserted people have to continue being careful and take precautions.

He reiterated his advice to people to maintain a distance of two yards from each other to keep healthy.

Do gaz doori, bahut hai zaroori(Maintain a distance of two yards and keep yourself healthy)."