NEW DELHI: A senior United Nations official has stated that the organization evaluates name change requests from countries as they are submitted, addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding President Droupadi Murmu's G20 dinner invitations, where she was referred to as 'President of Bharat' rather than 'President of India.'

In accordance with established international protocols, the United Nations has opened the door to consider any formal request for a nation to change its name.

A contentious debate has recently unfolded within Indian political circles following President Droupadi Murmu's issuance of G20 dinner invitations, where she assumed the title 'President of Bharat' instead of the customary 'President of India.' This unexpected move has ignited speculation that the government might be contemplating an official name change for the nation.

Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, cited a recent example when Turkey officially rebranded itself as Turkiye in 2022. Haq emphasized that the UN addresses such requests as they are presented, shedding light on the potential process India would need to navigate should they choose to pursue this change.

Meanwhile, amidst the unfolding controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged his ministerial team to avoid getting embroiled in the escalating 'Bharat' name debate. During a meeting with the Union Council of Ministers, PM Modi underscored that 'Bharat' is an ancient moniker for the country. He also outlined the expected conduct for his ministers during the upcoming G20 Summit.

Scheduled for September 9th and 10th and hosted in New Delhi under India's presidency, the summit is poised to attract participation from numerous international leaders, including US President Joe Biden. Prime Minister Modi has directed his cabinet to remain in the national capital throughout the event, ensuring that visiting dignitaries encounter no inconveniences.

The government's utilization of the term 'Bharat' on the international stage, as seen at the G20 Summit, has triggered accusations from the opposition that the Modi administration harbors intentions of officially rebranding the country from 'India' to 'Bharat.'

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