Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold discussions with state chiefs on containing the possible surge of Omicron cases ahead of the festive season, as gatherings in public spaces and markets gain momentum.

India has recorded 236 Omicron coronavirus cases across 16 states over the last 24 hours, the federal health ministry said, more than double from last week.

Modi's government came under scathing criticism during the summer when India's health system was overwhelmed by a deadly second wave that killed tens of thousands of people.