PM Modi Says India-France Ties Have Reached New Heights as Swaminarayan Temple Opens in Paris

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the relationship between India and France as stronger than ever, saying the two countries are entering a new phase of cooperation built on shared history, culture and growing strategic ties.

Speaking virtually at the inauguration of a grand Swaminarayan temple in Paris on Sunday, PM Modi said India and France have moved beyond traditional diplomatic relations and are now working together across a wide range of areas, including technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action.

He said the newly inaugurated temple would not only serve as a place of faith and devotion but would also become another important symbol of the cultural connection between the people of India and France.

India-France Partnership Entering a New Phase

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said relations between the two countries have reached “new heights” in recent years.

He highlighted his close engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron and said both nations are working towards strengthening what he described as a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.”

According to the Prime Minister, the relationship is gaining fresh momentum as India and France explore opportunities for cooperation in several emerging sectors.

“These days, there is much talk about joint venture possibilities between India and France,” he said, pointing towards the expanding scope for businesses, technology companies and institutions from both countries to work together.

The partnership, he suggested, is no longer limited to traditional areas of diplomacy. New opportunities are emerging in advanced technology, artificial intelligence, defence cooperation, space research and efforts to address climate change.

2026 Being Celebrated as India-France Year of Innovation

PM Modi also referred to 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, describing innovation as an important area for the future of the bilateral relationship.

He said the two countries are moving forward with “new momentum and energy” and that cooperation in emerging technologies could further strengthen their partnership.

The focus on innovation comes at a time when both India and France are looking at new areas of collaboration, particularly in fields that could shape the global economy and technological landscape in the coming years.

Temple Becomes a Symbol of Cultural Connection

One of the central themes of PM Modi’s address was the cultural and spiritual relationship between India and France.

Speaking about the newly inaugurated BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Paris, he said the temple represented a unique combination of Indian craftsmanship and French engineering.

He described it as “Made in India” and “Built in France,” noting that several of the temple’s stones were carved in India before being incorporated into the structure in France.

For PM Modi, the temple represents more than architecture. He said it adds a new dimension to the cultural relationship between the two nations and could become a place where Indian traditions and values are shared with people across Europe.

He expressed confidence that the temple would stand for generations as a symbol of cooperation, opportunity and friendship between India and France.

Historical Links Between India and France

PM Modi also spoke about the historical connections that have brought the two societies closer over the years.

He recalled the contribution of Indian soldiers who fought and made sacrifices in France, saying their memory continues to remain alive.

He also highlighted the role played by French scholars and writers in creating greater awareness of Indian philosophy and culture in Europe.

Referring to French writer Romain Rolland, the Prime Minister said his writings on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda helped bring Indian and French societies closer.

PM Modi further mentioned the spiritual journey of ‘The Mother,’ who travelled from Paris to Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry. He said her journey and association with Sri Aurobindo’s teachings inspired generations of spiritual seekers in both countries.

He also recalled the visit of Srila Prabhupada Swami to France and said it opened another chapter in the spiritual connection between India and the French people through the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON.

Yoga Has Become Another Bridge Between the Two Countries

The Prime Minister also pointed to the growing popularity of yoga in France as another example of people-to-people ties.

He said yoga has become an important bridge connecting Indian and French communities, noting that images of people practising yoga around iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower on International Yoga Day have become a familiar sight.

According to him, such cultural exchanges help strengthen relationships beyond government-to-government diplomacy.

He said the growing interest in Indian traditions, yoga and spirituality demonstrates how cultural connections can create lasting bonds between people from different countries.

Temple to Focus on Service Alongside Devotion

PM Modi also emphasised that the role of a Swaminarayan temple goes beyond religious worship.

He said he had been informed that the newly inaugurated temple would also become a centre for service activities.

“Swaminarayan temples have always served as hubs of service alongside devotion,” he said, expressing hope that the Paris temple would similarly contribute to the wider community.

He added that whenever BAPS consecrates temples in different parts of the world, India’s ancient ideas, cultural traditions and human values travel along with them.

In his view, the Paris temple could therefore serve as both a spiritual centre and a place where people from different backgrounds come together through community service and cultural activities.

A New Landmark for India’s Cultural Presence in Europe

PM Modi said the temple would enrich France’s multicultural environment while also strengthening the cultural relationship between India and France.

He expressed confidence that the values associated with Indian culture would reach more people across Europe through the temple and the activities conducted there.

The Prime Minister also said he would try to personally visit the temple in the future whenever his schedule allows and pay his respects.

For India, the inauguration represents another visible expression of the country’s growing cultural presence overseas. For France, the temple adds another dimension to the country’s diverse religious and cultural landscape.

India and France Looking Ahead

The Prime Minister’s remarks underline how the India-France relationship has expanded from traditional diplomatic cooperation to a broader partnership covering technology, defence, space, innovation, climate action and cultural exchange.

While strategic cooperation remains an important pillar of the relationship, PM Modi’s address placed particular emphasis on the human and cultural connections that have developed over decades.

From the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in France to the influence of French thinkers in India, from yoga and spirituality to modern technology and innovation, the Prime Minister presented the relationship as one that has developed across several generations.

The newly inaugurated Swaminarayan temple in Paris, he said, adds another milestone to that journey.

As India and France continue to explore new areas of cooperation, the temple is expected to stand as a visible reminder of the cultural links between the two countries while also representing the possibilities of a partnership that continues to evolve.

PM Modi concluded by expressing confidence that the temple would strengthen India-France cultural relations and contribute to greater understanding between the people of the two nations.

News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.