COVID-19 situation in India: Artifact or Fact?

India currently has the second highest number of SARS-CoV-2 cases in the world. Accurate and reliable testing holds the key for effective surveillance and management of this pandemic. In this context, this study analyses the course of the pandemic in India tracing back to the beginning of the national lockdown and the subsequent 11 months. It uses the variables of testing speed and incremental change in cases over time to draw insights into the current situation. The analysis findings are triangulated with the published findings of the second national household serosurveillance from India and the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of the FELUDA diagnostic test; to understand the nuances with the current data and testing technology for drawing inferences. The study finds that even with the availability of better local testing technology and evidence, the testing policy has failed to incorporate them resulting in inaccurate, unreliable data and spread of infection.