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 as Bharat, Bharata or Hindustan in its native language – names from pre-colonial times. Earlier this week, President Droupadi Murmu described himself as “President of Bharat” at an invitation to a reception of G20 heads of state and government, sparking controversy in the country.

New Delhi is hosting leaders of developed nations for a G20 summit in a new $300 million shell-shaped convention center. It is called ‘Bharat Mandapam’. Some proponents of the name Bharat state that “India” was introduced by British colonialists.

Instead, 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 wanted to ask his Indian counterpart Modi to use his influence over 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” would arguably require a constitutional amendment. This in turn must be passed in both chambers of Parliament with a two-thirds majority.