UN To Accept India's Name Change To Bharat If Formalities Completed

The United Nations has stated that it will change India's name to Bharat in its records once New Delhi completes all the necessary formalities, a spokesperson for the global body told NDTV today. United Nations Secretary-General's chief spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, explained, "When India completes the formalities to change the name, they will inform us, and we will change the name in the UN records."

This statement comes in the wake of a recent controversy surrounding the transition from India to Bharat in the dinner invitation extended by President Droupadi Murmu to foreign leaders attending the G20 summit this weekend. Dujarric, speaking on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Delhi, remarked, "It's not for the UN to comment on the debate."

He further clarified, "As long as the formalities are completed, the UN will change the name too. It's a bureaucratic matter when it comes to what the UN needs to do."

India would not be the first country to undergo a name change if it happens. Numerous countries have changed their names for various political, social, or other reasons.

Dujarric also cited the example of Turkey changing its name to Turkiye last year and noted that "history has shown that it has happened a number of times for several countries."

Amidst the debate over India's name change, the Opposition has accused the Centre of intending to drop "India" and retain "Bharat" as the country's name. Several ministers and BJP leaders have emphasized that there should be no controversy as "Bharat" has been in use since ancient times.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue during his interaction with the Union Council of Ministers, urging them to avoid the political dispute surrounding the Bharat issue and emphasizing that it has been the country's historical name.

The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General also highlighted the significance of India's presidency during a "very critical time." Dujarric stated, "The presidency comes at a very critical time. India is a leading voice in the Global South. India is also a bridge builder politically and geographically, and the theme for this G20, 'One Earth, One Planet,' is exactly what we need at this time."

The G20 Summit, under India's presidency, is taking place in Delhi on September 9 and 10, with the participation of several heads of state from around the world, including US President Joe Biden.