India extending COVID-19 lockdown for 2 more weeks

NEWS DESK 

India is extending the lockdown amid COVID-19 pandemic for two more weeks.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the indications while holding a four-hour meeting with at least 13 chief ministers on video conference today, considering the requests of the chief ministers, who preferred a longer containment period, reports NDTV.. 

The lockdown was scheduled to end on Tuesday. Indian PM Modi also marked a shift in tackling the pandemic, from saving lives to saving both lives and the economy. 

Three weeks ago, while announcing the lockdown, Modi had said, "Jaan hai toh jahaan hai (the world exists if life exists)." 

Towards the end of the meeting today, however, he stressed on "Jaan bhi jahaan bhi (both life and economy are important)" as the lockdown has put severe stress on businesses. 

Sources said, after the Indian prime minister's "jaan bhi jahaan bhi" comment, the council of ministers has been asked to resume work in ministries from Monday.