The political storm sparked in India over the G20 dinner invitations issued on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu, which bore the title 'President of Bharat' rather than the customary 'President of India,' has further intensified the naming controversy.
As New Delhi readies itself for the upcoming G20 Summit amid the ongoing India-Bharat naming dispute, China has voiced its perspective on India's intentions for the event. In a statement delivered through its media outlet, the Global Times, China emphasized that India's primary focus should be on comprehensive economic reform, dating back to the pre-1947 era of independence.
China asserted that revolutionary development hinges on revolutionary economic reform, signaling the need for India to address this concern. The political storm sparked in India over the G20 dinner invitations issued on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu, which bore the title 'President of Bharat' rather than the customary 'President of India,' has further intensified the naming controversy. China, while acknowledging the growing global attention India is garnering, urged the nation to leverage this spotlight as a catalyst for growth, according to media reports.
China raised questions about India's message to the world at this critical juncture when global attention is squarely on the G20 summit. The report also contended that name changes are often seen as an attempt to shed colonial-era nomenclature.
Regarding India's economic reforms, the report acknowledged the Modi administration's ambition in this realm since the pivotal reforms of 1991. However, it expressed concern that India appears to be increasingly adopting a stance of trade protectionism.
China underscored the significance of economic reforms and liberalization, citing post-1947 history as evidence that such measures can drive substantial economic growth. Offering counsel to India in its G20 presidency, China urged India to use this platform to showcase its determination to reform its economy, enhance openness, attract foreign investment, and create a fair business environment for foreign investors.
Notably, the issue of renaming India from "India" to "Bharat" has been raised by several BJP leaders in the past. Meanwhile, the United Nations has confirmed its willingness to consider name change requests from countries, citing the example of Turkey's recent shift to "Turkiye." The Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Farhan Haq, emphasized that they would review formal requests submitted by governments, including any potential name change requests from India.