Distribution of the Genetic clade “G” of SARS-CoV-2 – an insight into COVID-19 virulence and spread in India N. Pradeep Kumar* 1 , Prasanta Saini 1 , and Ashwani Kumar 2 1 ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, Kottayam, Kerala 686002, India 2 ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry 605006, India A non-synonymous mutation ‘D614G’ in the spike gene (genetic clade “G”) of SARS-CoV-2 is reported to offer significantly higher human host infectivity, better fitness and high transmission efficiency to the virus. Also, it is recorded to cause severe clinical outcome in man. To evaluate the distribution of this crucial mutation, in India, we carried out genetic analysis of 105 genome sequences of the virus available in ‘GISAID’ website, from the Country. The results indicated the “G” clade occurrence in the Country to be 33.33%. This could be one of the attributes for a comparatively less severity and transmissibility of the disease in India so far. However, as the “G” Clade is found prevalent in some states of India as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra etc., the spread of the same to other states remains a risk. This could be prevented by strict state border vigils, as being practiced up to the 3 rd Lockdown period in the Country. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Spike gene, Genetic Clade, India *Corresponding Author: kumar.dr.n.pradeep@gmail.com (Dr. N. Pradeep Kumar, ICMR- VCRC Field Station, Collectorate P.O., Kottayam 686002, India) Authors declare no conflict of interest is involved in this article.