New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India–France relations have reached a “new high”, citing the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir near Paris as a lasting symbol of cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking via video conference at the opening ceremony, Modi said BAPS temples around the world help take India’s philosophical traditions and human values to international communities. He added that the Paris temple would stand for centuries as a marker of shared opportunities.
Modi noted that many of the stones used in the temple were carved in India, bringing together India’s traditional craftsmanship with France’s modern engineering. He said the temple would help spread Indian culture and spirituality beyond France to communities across Europe, and expressed hope it would function as a centre of devotion and service.
Referring to his engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi said the two nations are working with renewed energy across sectors including technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate change. He also said 2026 is being celebrated as the India–France Year of Innovation.
Modi recalled historical and cultural links, including the remembrance of Indian soldiers’ sacrifices in France, the role of French scholars in promoting Sanskrit, and spiritual connections highlighted through writings and visits associated with figures such as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and Srila Prabhupada. He added that yoga has become a bridge of people-to-people ties, and said the newly opened temple marks an important chapter in India’s cultural relationship with France.
