The official G20 logo for the summit, in turn, bears both names – “Bharat” in Hindi and “India” in English. Speaking in Hindi, the language spoken by the majority of the population, Modi said: “Bharat welcomes the delegation as President of the G20.”

The start of the G20 Summit in India is a great opportunity for the country. They want to show that they also play an important role in the global community.

09/08/2023 | 02:52 min

India is also referred to in local languages ​​as Bharat, Bharata or Hindustan – names from pre-colonial times. Earlier this week, President Droupadi Murmu described himself as “President of Bharat” in an invitation to a reception of G20 heads of state and government, sparking controversy in the country.

New Delhi hosted leaders of developed countries for the G20 summit at its new $300 million shell-shaped convention center. It is called ‘Bharat Mandapam’. Some proponents of the name Bharat claim that “India” was introduced by the British colonial rulers.

However, historians emphasize that the name originated centuries before colonial rule. The name India comes from the Indus river which in Sanskrit is called Sindhu. The Hindu nationalist organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has always insisted on calling the country Bharat.

At the G20 summit in New Delhi, British Prime Minister Sunak wants to ask his Indian counterpart, Modi, to use his influence with Russia to end the war.

09/08/2023 | 00:25 min

Many politicians from Modi’s people’s party, the BJP, are also open to a name change. Changing India’s name to “Bharat” may require a constitutional amendment. This in turn must be passed with a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Parliament.