India's death toll from coronavirus crosses 400,000; vaccination drive falters

MUMBAI/AHMEDABAD  - India's official death toll from the coronavirus topped 400,000 on Friday, though experts say the actual number of dead could have reached one million or even higher, with a possible third wave of infections looming.

India added 100,000 deaths in 39 days, a Reuters tally showed, as a brutal second wave of infections swept across cities and into the vast countryside where millions remain vulnerable without a single shot of vaccines. Overnight, the country recorded 853 deaths, taking the toll past the 400,000 mark, according to data from health ministry.