During India's severe second wave of COVID-19 in May 2021, principal scientific adviser K. VijayRaghavan warned that another wave of infections was expected because of the high level of coronavirus circulation.

What the Adviser Said

Speaking at a government briefing on May 5, 2021, VijayRaghavan said a third phase was expected given the amount of virus circulating at the time. He also said it was unclear when it would occur.

The statement was a warning about future epidemic risk rather than a prediction of an exact date.

India's Severe Second Wave

The warning came while India was experiencing a major increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths, with hospitals in several areas under severe pressure.

Historical Context

COVID-19 knowledge, variants, vaccination coverage and public-health guidance changed substantially during the pandemic. Statements made in May 2021 should therefore be understood in the circumstances and evidence available at that time.

This article preserves the historical warning without repeating the original headline's claim that a future wave was literally “unstoppable.”