India Lockdown Searches Spike on Google Anniversary

On March 24, 2024, Google Trends data showed a sudden surge in search interest for the phrase "Lockdown in India," coinciding with the sixth anniversary of the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown announced on March 24, 2020. This increase in search queries cut across metropolitan and smaller towns, despite the absence of official announcements or indications from the Centre or state governments about new restrictions.

Google Trends Data

The search interest surge closely aligns with the date of the initial lockdown, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to curb the spread of Covid-19. This decision led to a halt in economic activity and triggered one of the largest internal migrations in independent India's history. Anniversary-led searches are common on Google, especially for terms linked to important national events, but this year's spike appears to have been amplified by current global tensions.

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PM Modi's Speech in Parliament

The spike in lockdown fears followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Parliament on March 23-24, where he drew a parallel between the Covid-19 pandemic and the current West Asia crisis. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for collective patience, unity, and preparedness in the face of global energy supply chain disruptions.

Government Efforts to Ensure Energy Supplies

In his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the government is in constant touch with suppliers worldwide and is making efforts to ensure oil and gas supplies are received from wherever possible. The government has also significantly widened its energy basket over the past 11 years, increasing the number of countries from which it imports energy from 27 to 41. Ensuring a steady supply of petrol and diesel remains a priority, despite the increasingly difficult situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

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