Finally breaking his inexplicable silence over the deaths of devastation in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he felt the pain and suffering of the people inflicted by COVID-19 while adding that the virus is an invisible and quick-changing adversary that was challenging the whole world.

"Due to the coronavirus, we have suffered the loss of people close to us. The pain that people have been through, that many felt, I am feeling it equally," Modi said in an online address Friday.

"As your Pradhan Sevak (principal servant), I share your every sentiment."

The country is facing an invisible enemy that is changing itself rapidly, he said of the virus that has created multiple mutant strains including the double mutant variant that has pushed India's deadly second wave, he said.

Modi said that this once-in-a-century pandemic is challenging the world. "The hindrances in our resources are being eliminated on a war-footing," Modi said.

Modi remarked that Central and all the state governments together, are making continuous efforts to enable more and more countrymen to get vaccinated at a rapid pace, IBNS reported. 

"So far, around 18 crore (180 million) vaccine doses have been given across the country. Free vaccination is being done in government hospitals across the country," he said.

Modi urged everyone to register for the vaccine when their turn comes and ensure Covid appropriate behaviour at all times. He added that this vaccine is an important means of protection against corona and will reduce the risk of serious illness.

Modi said the Indian Armed Forces was working with full strength to ensure oxygen supply in these tough times. Railways are also running oxygen express trains.

The pharma sector of the country was manufacturing and delivering medicines at a large scale and he requested the state governments to ensure strict laws to counter black marketing of medicines and medical supplies.

"India is not a nation that loses hope in tough times and hoped that this challenge would be overcome with strength and dedication," he stated.

Modi, who has been criticised heavily, both in India and abroad, for his government's inaction and being indifferent to the plight of the people and not taking adequate measures in time despite warning signals from the scientific community, warned about the spread of COVID-19 in rural areas as well and urged the village heads to ensure proper awareness and sanitation in their respective areas