G20 Summit: Prime Minister Modi Addresses World Leaders, Uses ‘Bharat’ in Place of ‘India’ on Nameplate

In recent developments, there has been a controversy surrounding the change from “Bharat” to “India” in the dinner invitation extended by President Droupadi Murmu to foreign leaders attending the G20 Summit. This controversy coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural address at the G20 Summit, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday. Notably, the nameplate displayed in front of the prime minister bore the name “Bharat” instead of “India.”

Additionally, the United Nations announced that it would change India’s name to “Bharat” in UN records once New Delhi completes all the necessary formalities for the change. United Nations Secretary General’s chief spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, confirmed this information to NDTV.

The debate surrounding this name change has prompted discussions and speculations regarding the upcoming special session of Parliament, although the official agenda for the session has not yet been disclosed. While members of the ruling BJP have suggested that “Bharat” should take precedence over “India,” opposition leaders argue that “Bharat” is already mentioned in the constitution.

Prime Minister Modi, however, advised his ministerial colleagues to avoid getting embroiled in the political controversy surrounding the “Bharat” issue, emphasizing that “Bharat” has been the country’s ancient name.

It’s important to note that the constitution currently uses “India” and “Bharat” interchangeably in different parts, and any change to use only “Bharat” would require a constitutional amendment, necessitating a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament.