India mulls extending coronavirus lockdown as cases rise

Indian leaders are contemplating whether to extend the country's 21-day lockdown, which is set to end next week, due to concerns over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The nationwide lockdown, enacted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been praised for preventing a large surge in cases but has severely impacted the economy and left many daily wage earners jobless.

Several state leaders have voiced their support for extending the lockdown, prioritizing the preservation of lives over economic recovery.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao explicitly stated that economic problems can be recovered from, but lost lives cannot be regained.

States like Assam and Chhattisgarh are considering maintaining closed borders or implementing restricted entry to manage ongoing infections.

India has reported a relatively low number of coronavirus cases and deaths compared to some other nations.

Prime Minister Modi, who faced criticism for the abrupt implementation of the lockdown, is expected to make a decision regarding its extension this week.