Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the growing partnership between India and France while addressing the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris through video conference. He described the India France strategic partnership as particularly significant because it is built on longstanding cultural and political connections between the two countries.
The inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir marks an important cultural event for the Indian community in France. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Modi described the temple as a new milestone in the cultural relationship between India and France and said it would symbolise cooperation and possibilities between the two nations for years to come.
Modi said India and France have strengthened their relationship in recent years and are working together to build what he described as a Special Global Strategic Partnership. He referred to his cooperation with French President Emmanuel Macron and said the partnership is expanding across several areas of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister highlighted technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action as areas where the two countries are moving forward with greater momentum. He also noted that 2026 is being observed as the India France Year of Innovation, giving additional importance to cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
Modi said the temple represents more than a place of worship. He described it as an important addition to the cultural relationship between India and France and expressed hope that it would remain a symbol of friendship, cooperation and opportunities between the two countries.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir is located in Bussy Saint Georges, in the eastern suburbs of Paris. The official temple website describes it as the first traditionally designed stone Hindu temple in France. The inauguration is being accompanied by a 13 day Festival of Culture running from September 2 to September 14, 2026.
The temple project also reflects the connection between Indian craftsmanship and French engineering. In his address, Modi noted that several stones used in the temple were carved in India and combined with modern engineering techniques in France. He described the project as an example of how Indian heritage and contemporary capabilities can come together in an international setting.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the broader historical relationship between the people of India and France. He recalled the contribution and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought in France and said their memory remains an important part of the relationship between the two countries.
He also referred to the historical role played by French scholars in promoting interest in Sanskrit and Indian philosophical traditions. Modi mentioned French writer Romain Rolland and his writings on figures such as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda as examples of cultural exchanges that helped bring Indian and French societies closer.
The BAPS organisation has organised several cultural and community programmes around the inauguration. Its official information states that thousands of people participated in a Jal Yatra on the River Seine on September 3 as part of the Festival of Culture. The programme is intended to highlight themes including fraternity, peace, harmony and cultural exchange.
The temple is also being presented as a centre for spiritual activities, cultural learning and social service. The Prime Minister said Swaminarayan temples have traditionally combined devotion with service and expressed confidence that the values associated with Indian culture would reach people across Europe through the new centre.
The inauguration comes at a time when India and France are seeking to deepen cooperation across strategic and emerging sectors. Defence and security have traditionally been important components of bilateral relations, while newer areas such as artificial intelligence, technology, space and climate action are receiving greater attention.
The cultural dimension of the relationship has also gained importance. The establishment of a traditionally designed Hindu temple in France provides a new platform for the Indian diaspora and visitors to engage with Indian traditions and heritage. The temple's organisers have said that the facility is intended to welcome people from different backgrounds and provide opportunities to learn about Hindu traditions and Indian culture.
Modi expressed hope that the temple would contribute to France's cultural diversity while strengthening people to people connections between India and France. He also said that the values and teachings associated with Indian culture could benefit communities beyond Paris and across Europe.
The inauguration therefore combines religious, cultural and diplomatic significance. While the temple serves as a place of worship for devotees, the Indian government has also presented the occasion as an opportunity to highlight the broader cultural links between India and France.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir is expected to remain a prominent cultural and spiritual centre for the Indian community and others interested in Indian heritage. Its inauguration has also provided an occasion for India and France to highlight the broader strength of their bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Modi concluded his virtual address by extending his greetings to devotees, members of the Indian diaspora and others attending the inauguration. He said he hoped the temple would continue to serve as a symbol of cultural connection, cooperation and shared possibilities between India and France in the years ahead.