New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday said that India is much better placed than many other nations with respect to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PM made this observation while delivering the inaugural address to mark the 90th birth anniversary celebrations of Reverend Dr Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan.

“The world is fighting a strong battle against a global pandemic. COVID-19 is not only a physical sickness that is a threat to lives of people.  It also takes our attention to unhealthy lifestyles,” he said during his virtual address.

He said because of corona warriors, India was firmly fighting COVID-19.

"Earlier this year, some people had predicted that the impact of the virus in India would be very severe. Due to lockdown, many initiatives have been taken by the government and in this people-driven fight, India is much better placed than many other nations. India's recovery rate is rising," Modi further said in his virtual address.

However, he further warned that the time was not apt to "let our guard down". “In fact, we have to be even more careful now. Wearing masks, social distancing, Do Gaj Doori (two feet distance), avoiding crowded places, remain important," the PM said.

The PM said in the last few weeks, the government has addressed both short-term and long-term issues relating to the economy. "From the sea to space, from the farms to the factories, people-friendly and growth friendly decisions have been taken," he said.

He said the government was working towards ensuring "better technology, infrastructure and making value chains stronger". "I am confident my fishermen sisters and brothers in Kerala will gain from this scheme," he said.

India, on Saturday, reported 5 lakh cases of coronavirus. Since June 2, India logged more than 3 lakh coronavirus cases in 26 days.

However, India's recovery rate is higher than the active number of cases. According to the Union ministry of health and family welfare, the country's total number of active cases are at 1,97,385, whereas tally of cured/discharged patients stands at 2,95,880.