India's Covid-19 cases near 20 million as catastrophic surges continues

More than 218,000 people in India have died from Covid-19, according to the Health Ministry

A relative of a person who died of Covid-19 mourns at a crematorium in Jammu, India (Channi Anand/AP)

India has recorded 368,147 new coronavirus cases, including 3,417 deaths, as a catastrophic surge ripples through the country.

The latest numbers came after leaders of 13 opposition parties penned a letter to urge the government to launch a free vaccination drive as well as ensure uninterrupted flow of oxygen to all hospitals.