India's Modi tours vaccine facilities as cases surge

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured three of the nation's leading vaccine development and manufacturing sites on Saturday (November 28) as coronavirus case counts continue to soar.

India has recorded at least 9.35 million COVID-19 infections, second only to the United States.

It reported 41,322 new cases and 485 deaths on Saturday.

The western state of Maharashtra - home to India's financial hub, Mumbai - has been particularly hard hit by the virus.

Its tally of 1.68 million cases is higher than countries such as Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.

A street market in India's capital New Delhi was packed with shoppers on Saturday despite the climb in cases.

Regional authorities sent coronavirus-themed rickshaws to spread awareness about the virus and the importance of wearing masks and social distancing.

In a series of tweets, Modi congratulated scientists on their progress and assured them of his government's support.

The companies are testing homegrown vaccine options, as well as working on trials of vaccines being developed overseas.