Social dialogue is often regarded as an important tool in cementing good relations among representatives of the government, employers and workers on issues of common interest relating to social and economic policy. But for social dialogue to thrive it requires a conducive environment and willing stakeholders. In the backdrop of COVID-19, this paper examines the nature of social dialogue in India, the challenges faced and the need to put social dialogue at the centre of the country's policy framework to minimise footloose workers to become 'let-loose' labour.