COVID-19 does not see race or caste before striking: Narendra Modi

"COVID-19 does not see race, religion, colour, caste, creed, language or border before striking," Modi wrote in his LinkedIn post.

"Our response and conduct thereafter should attach primacy to unity and brotherhood," he said.

He said the future of the world will be about 'togetherness'.

"Unlike previous moments in history, when countries or societies faced off against each other, today we are together facing a common challenge. The future will be about togetherness and resilience," he said.

"The next big ideas from India should find global relevance and application. They should have the ability to drive a positive change not merely for India but for the entire humankind," he said.

The Indian PM said: "India, with the right blend of the physical and the virtual can emerge as the global nerve centre of complex modern multinational supply chains in the post COVID-19 world. Let us rise to that occasion and seize this opportunity."

Speaking on digital payments, he said: "Embracing digital payments is a prime example of adaptability. Shop owners big and small should invest in digital tools that keep commerce connected, especially in times of crisis. India is already witnessing an encouraging surge in digital transactions. "

The Indian government on Sunday said with 27 COVID-19 related deaths recorded in the past 24 hours, the death toll in the country now stands at 507.

Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, said during the daily press briefing: "1334 new COVID19 cases have been reported in the past 24 hours."

He said the number of COVID-19 cases in the country now stands at 15712.

So far, 2,230 patients have recovered in the country.

India is currently under lockdown to avoid the spread of the disease.

The nationwide lockdown, which was first announced by PM Narendra Modi last month, was scheduled to end on Apr 14.

Modi last week extended it will May 3.