Is India changing its name to Bharat? G20 invite controversy explained

Indian President Droupadi Murmu's use of the name "President of Bharat" in invitations for a G20 dinner has sparked speculation that the government may be considering officially changing the country's name from India to Bharat.

reuters.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/5/2023

From India to ‘Bharat’? Govt likely to bring proposal to change country's name in Parliament special session

The Indian government is considering changing the country's name from 'India' to 'Bharat' through a constitutional amendment, which would serve as a symbolic representation of the nation's cultural identity and move away from the colonial legacy.

9/6/2023

India’s ruling Hindu nationalists push ‘Bharat’ as country’s name

The Indian government's use of the term "Bharat" instead of "India" in official invitations for the G20 summit has sparked controversy and debate over the country's identity and historical associations.

9/5/2023

India's government replaces 'India' with ancient name 'Bharat' in dinner invitation to G20 guests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has replaced the name India with the Sanskrit word Bharat in dinner invitations for the G20 summit, reflecting his party's efforts to eliminate colonial-era names and reclaim India's Hindu past.

9/6/2023

India vs Bharat row: Govt rejects speculation as ‘just rumours’, says ‘clearly showing mindset’

Amid speculation of a proposal to rename India to 'Bharat', Union Minister Anurag Thakur dismisses the rumors, stating that those who object to the name 'Bharat' reveal their mindset against it.

9/8/2023

India Considers Controversial Push to Change Country's Name to 'Bharat'

The invitations to a state dinner to mark India’s hosting of this year’s G20 have led to speculation about a possible renaming of the country, with some suggesting that the ruling BJP is responding to opposition parties adopting the acronym INDIA and that there is a push to change the name due to its association with colonial slavery.

9/10/2023

Modi Signals India's Preferred Name at G20; W. Bengal Governor Escalates Spat; Teen Coco Gauff Wins U.S. Open

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the "Bharat" country tag at the G20 Summit signals a shift in international recognition towards India's official name, as highlighted in a magazine distributed at the summit.

9/11/2023

Gandhi Dismisses Modi's Push to Rename India, Alleges Adani Ties Driving Name Change Proposal

India's main opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plans to change the country's name from India to Bharat as "absurd," calling it a diversion tactic amid controversy over financial violations by billionaire Gautam Adani and allegations of human rights abuses.

9/15/2023

BJP Government Mulls Renaming India as 'Bharat', Sparking Debate on Hindu Nationalism vs. Colonial Legacy

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may be planning to rebrand India as "Bharat", a name associated with Hindu nationalism and resentment towards colonial rule, in an attempt to distract from opposition parties and their coalition ahead of the general election in 2024, although implementing the change would be difficult and costly.