Multiple Indian media outlets have reported that the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Modi, might formally propose changing the country's name from "India" to "Bharat" during a special parliamentary session scheduled for September 18-22.
Between September 9 and 10, the G20 summit will be held in India's capital, New Delhi. For the first time, the Indian government used "Bharat" instead of "India" in an official diplomatic document. In the dinner invitation sent to G20 guests, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind was referred to as the "President of Bharat."
As the world's most populous country, India is home to over 100 ethnic groups and recognizes more than 20 official languages. Both "Bharat" and "India" are used interchangeably in official documents like the constitution and passports. "India" is believed to have evolved from the Sanskrit word "Sindhu," which refers to the Indus River, and has been in use since at least the 18th century.
Public records indicate that "Bharat" is an ancient Sanskrit term, meaning "those who seek light and knowledge." Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Today, "Bharat" is frequently featured in popular songs and movies. The English name of Modi's party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, also derives from "Bharat."
Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party recently expressed on social media that "India" was introduced by British colonizers and symbolizes "slavery," suggesting it should be removed from the constitution. Echoing this sentiment, former cricket star Virender Sehwag recently urged sports officials to print "Bharat" on athletes' jerseys instead of "India."
However, the opposition in India has criticized the renaming initiative. Some opposition members voiced on social media platform X that "India" is more internationally recognized and cautioned against abandoning it entirely due to its immense brand value accumulated over centuries.
After nearly a decade in power, Prime Minister Modi has increasingly positioned himself as a leader dedicated to shedding the country's feudal and colonial past, emphasizing the need to "free oneself from the mindset of slavery." With national elections approaching next year, Modi's government will seek a third consecutive term.
This weekend, as the G20 summit takes place in New Delhi, the "Global South" will be a key topic of discussion. Modi, who previously focused on fostering good relations with major countries, is now adjusting his strategy, aiming to position India as the leader of this informal group.
With India now the world's most populous nation and its economic strength rapidly expanding, its global influence continues to grow. Last month, India's "Chandrayaan-3" probe successfully landed near the lunar south pole, making India the fourth country after the U.S., Soviet Union, and China to achieve a soft landing on the moon.
According to an unverified account named "South Asia Info" on platform "X," if India officially abandons the name "India" on the international stage, neighboring Pakistan might be interested in adopting it. Pakistani nationalists have long believed they have a right to the name, given that the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, dating back to 3000 BCE, originated in present-day Pakistan.
Both India and Pakistan were once British colonies. They declared independence in 1947 after the British government implemented the "Mountbatten Plan," but both remain members of the Commonwealth.
