Coronavirus infections in the South Asia sub-region have surpassed the grim milestone of 15 million, a Reuters tally shows, led by India’s record daily infections and vaccine shortages.

South Asia — India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka — accounts for 11 per cent of global cases and almost six per cent of deaths. India, the country with the third-highest coronavirus total, accounts for over 84pc of South Asia’s cases and deaths.

Pakistan, the second-hardest hit in the region, is in its third wave, recording more than 700,000 cases and 15,000 related deaths. It has seen a sharp rise in cases in the past 10 days. Officials say there are now more people in intensive care than at any other point during the pandemic.