India Needs To Be Self-Reliant To Cement Place In New World Order: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India has to be "self-reliant to cement her place in the new world order that will emerge after Covid. India, he said, is at a "turning point" owing to her handling of the coronavirus crisis and the global community's awareness about it.

"Many felt that if India cannot manage it, then the world is doomed, but we overcame the crisis," he said in his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address.

"While major powers were not being able to handle the COVID-19 crisis, India stood strong. India led the way. The world got a glimpse of how India managed the COVID-19 pandemic, rose to the occasion and not only overcame a crisis being self-reliant, but also helped nations across the world," he said, adding "This is the turning point".

India, he said, has been able to acquire this position due to the cooperation of all 130 crore Indians, especially the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers.

"Young healthcare workers, who left their homes saying they will return soon, worked for 15-20 days non-stop, worked selflessly, to ensure that we all are healthy. They were no less than gods and goddesses," he added to cheers and table thumping by other members.

Over the last weeks, there has been a tapering off in both the number of fresh cases and fatality figures each day.

Over the last week, the number of fresh Covid cases per million population was 58 -- the lowest in the world. Currently, the number of active cases is less than 1.50 lakh. The cumulative positivity rate is 5.35% and showing a decline as well.

The drop in coronavirus cases and Covid-linked mortality rate comes as the vaccination programme in the country entered its fourth week. Those who received the first shot of the vaccine on January 16 are expected to receive the booster dose on February 13.