Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India’s efforts in combating the Covid-19 pandemic had set a “different kind of example” for the world while reminding people they could neither “tire nor stop” but prepare for a “long battle” ahead.

“Bharat ke ab-tak ke prayason ne duniya ke saamne ek alag hi udharan prashtut kiya hai (India’s efforts so far have presented before the world a different kind of example),” Modi said.

“India was among those countries in the world that understood the seriousness of the coronavirus and started a comprehensive battle well in time,” he added, while addressing BJP workers through videoconference to mark the party’s 40th foundation day.

The Prime Minister was repeating what the BJP has been claiming on social media — that the government’s proactive measures had flattened the curve of coronavirus infections in the country, something that even developed countries have not been able to do.

Modi spoke of decisions such as thermal screening at airports, evacuation of Indians and the “difficult decision” to stop flights from certain countries as some of the timely measures his government had taken to prepare in advance.

“The speed with which India took decisions in a comprehensive and holistic manner is not only being talked about in the world but has been praised by the World Health Organization,” he told the BJP workers.

Modi said India had played a key role in bringing the international community to jointly combat the pandemic through the South Asian grouping Saarc and the G20 nations.

He lauded the cooperation from state governments and claimed the Centre had taken them into confidence before taking its decisions, seeking to rebut accusations that he had not consulted all states before announcing the 21-day lockdown on March 24.

Modi said India had shown its collective strength of 130 crore people in battling the Covid-19 challenge as he hailed them for responding to his call to switch off lights and illuminate lamps on Sunday evening.

But the battle was far from over, he cautioned. “It is going to be a long battle. We can’t tire nor stop. Our resolve and mission is to emerge victorious.”

Modi urged the BJP workers to follow a five-point agenda, including efforts to ensure that the poor does not go hungry, contributions to the “PM Cares” fund and inspiring others to donate.

The Prime Minister also held a videoconference with central ministers and key officials where he said the Covid-19 crisis would present an opportunity before the country.

“The crisis is also an opportunity to boost Make in India and reduce dependence on other countries,” a release from the government said quoting Modi.

Modi asked the ministers to “identify ten key decisions and ten priority areas of focus” for their ministries once the lockdown ends.

He asked the ministers to submit the feedback they get on steps taken by each ministry in tackling the impact of the pandemic.

Modi asked the ministers to remain in touch with state and district authorities, provide solutions to problems that emerge and formulate micro-district-level plans to tackle the challenges posed by the virus.