The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant global ramifications. India’s health infrastructure as well as the economy are facing serious challenges. Since March 2020, corporates and business leaders have attempted to build a COVID-19 response plan in various capacities. In this note, the authors analyse the initiatives undertaken by Indian companies to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on the Indian population as well as the pandemic response of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs through clarifications and amendments to the corporate social responsibility (‘CSR’) framework. The note further deliberates upon the limitations of the CSR regime as revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers recommendations to inspire a more pragmatic, efficient, sustainable, and impactful form of CSR integrated into the organisation and the business of corporates.