The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has reported the detection of two new COVID-19 variants in India: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. It is thought that these variations are a factor in the increase in COVID-19 instances in several regions of Asia.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 as variants under surveillance as of May 2025; they have not yet been designated as variants of interest or variants of concern. But according to reports, these variations are connected to the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in China and a few other Asian countries.