Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday apologised to Indians whose lives had been disrupted by the lockdown but said the step was necessary to battle coronavirus.

Speaking to the nation via Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "I apologize for taking these harsh steps which have caused difficulties in your lives, especially the poor. I know some of you would be angry with me also. But these tough measures were needed to win this battle."

"The battle against Covid-19 is a tough one and it required such harsh decisions. It is important to keep the people of India safe," he added.

The prime minister explained the danger to humanity coronavirus poses. "Coronavirus is posing a challenge to knowledge, science, rich-poor, strong-weak alike. It is not confined to any nation's borders, nor does it makes the distinction of region or season," he said.

"Coronavirus is bent on killing people therefore entire humanity must unite and resolve to eliminate it," PM Modi added.

In his address, PM Modi urged Indians to show courage and resolve, follow "Lakshman Rekha" for several days more.

In his monthly Mann ki Baat radio address to the nation, PM Modi also praised the front-line workers in the fight against the virus as well as countless workers in the essential services who are ensuring the country doesn't come to a complete standstill in the 21-day lockdown announced on March 24.

The prime minister's address came as the imposition of a nationwide coronavirus lockdown has left lakhs of migrant workers with no means to earn a living, forcing them to undertake long journeys on foot to their far-flung homes in the absence of any means of transport.