India has reported 4,529 deaths and 267,334 new COVID-19 case in a day, taking its tally to 25.5 million, the world's second highest after the United States with a death toll of 283,248.

Some Indian health experts say infections and deaths could be five to 10 times higher.

There are fears that the new, highly infectious variant is out of control and that many cases are not being reported because of lack of testing, particularly in the vast countryside.

Hospitals have had to turn patients away while mortuaries and crematoria have been unable to cope with bodies piling up.

Criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for dealing with the situation has been rising with every passing day.