New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India-France relations have reached new heights, describing the strategic partnership between the two countries as particularly significant because of their long-standing cultural and political ties.
Modi made the remarks while addressing the virtual inauguration of the Swaminarayan temple in Paris. He said the newly built temple would become a lasting symbol of cooperation, cultural exchange and shared opportunities between India and France.
“In recent years, relations between India and France have reached new heights. Together with my friend, President Emmanuel Macron, both nations are building a Special Global Strategic Partnership,” Modi noted.
PM Modi emphasized that the two countries were expanding cooperation across technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action. The year 2026 is also being observed as the India-France Year of Innovation.
Modi highlighted that the historical and cultural links between the two nations, including the role of Indian soldiers who fought and made sacrifices in France during the World Wars. He also recalled the contribution of French scholars to the study and popularisation of Sanskrit.
It is a matter of great joy that BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir is being inaugurated in Paris.@BAPS https://t.co/PaXRoM0mkv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2026
The prime minister cited the writings of French author Romain Rolland on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, as well as the spiritual journey of ‘The Mother’ from Paris to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry.
He also referred to Srila Prabhupada’s visit to France and the growing popularity of yoga in the country, saying such connections had strengthened people-to-people ties.
Modi described the new temple as “Made in India” and “Built in France”, noting that several of its stones were carved in India before being incorporated into the structure in France.
The temple represented a blend of India’s traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering and expressed confidence that its cultural and spiritual values would benefit communities across Europe.
The prime minister also said BAPS Swaminarayan temples have traditionally served as centres of social service alongside religious activities. He expressed hope that the Paris temple would similarly contribute to service projects.
Calling the temple a new milestone in India-France cultural relations, Modi said it would enrich France’s diversity while further strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries.
