In Karnataka, India's first two Omicron cases were discovered

Two COVID-infected individuals The Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 19 cases of the Omicron variety had been discovered in India, marking the first confirmation of the coronavirus strain within the country's borders, which has sparked worldwide concern.

Both incidents were recorded in Karnataka, with the patients being two foreigners aged 66 and 46, according to the health ministry's joint secretary Lav Agarwal, who added that their identities will not be revealed for the time being to safeguard their privacy.

He claimed that everyone who came into contact with the two males has been tracked down and is being tested.

"There is no need to panic about the Omicron detection but awareness is absolutely essential. Follow Coivd-appropriate behaviour, avoid gatherings," Mr Agarwal said.

Early indicators show the Omicron may be far more contagious than prior versions, although there has been no proof that the strain is any more lethal.

India had planned to resume scheduled commercial overseas flights on December 15, but cancelled the plan on Wednesday, saying a resumption date will be announced later.

A week after the health ministry warned that a recent drop in testing could jeopardise India's efforts to limit the epidemic, the government has asked states to increase testing.

Coronavirus incidences have dropped significantly in India, where the Delta variety is the prevalent strain, after a record spike in infections and deaths in April and May.

On Thursday, the country recorded 9,765 additional cases, bringing the total number of cases to 34.61 million. The United States is the only country that has recorded more.