A small but noticeable detail at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi has caught attention: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s country placard identifies the nation as 'Bharat', rather than 'India'.

The nameplate was visible in front of Modi as leaders of the BRICS grouping assembled at Bharat Mandapam for the summit.

India is hosting the two-day gathering this year as the bloc discusses a range of issues including global economic cooperation, trade, development and geopolitical challenges.

The choice of 'Bharat' is legally and constitutionally valid. Article 1 of the Indian Constitution refers to the country as 'India, that is Bharat', recognising both names.

Not the first international appearance of ‘Bharat’

The use of 'Bharat' by the Prime Minister in a major international diplomatic setting has precedent.

Modi’s nameplate carried the same country designation during the 2023 G20 Summit, also hosted by India in New Delhi.

That nameplate had attracted considerable attention at the time, coming amid a wider political debate over the use of 'India' and 'Bharat'.

The two names, however, continue to be officially recognised.

The latest appearance of 'Bharat' at the BRICS gathering gives the terminology another high-profile international setting, particularly as leaders from the expanded grouping meet in the Indian capital.

India hosts expanded BRICS summit

The 18th BRICS Summit is being held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with India serving as the group's chair for 2026. The bloc has expanded significantly from its original five-member format and now includes 11 full members.

The summit brings together leaders and representatives from major emerging economies at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Discussions are focused on strengthening cooperation among members while addressing issues affecting the wider international order.

Against that backdrop, the wording on Modi’s placard may appear to be a minor detail. However, given the prominence of the India-Bharat terminology in recent years, the choice of 'Bharat' has become one of the more noticeable visual details from the summit.