IN PICS: Modi hails new BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Paris as milestone in India-France ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a video message for the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir near Paris, calling it a milestone in India-France cultural relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on September 6, 2026, that India-France relations have reached unprecedented heights. He inaugurated the Swaminarayan temple in Paris, highlighting the strong cultural and political ties between the two nations. PM Modi emphasized that the partnership is special due to its foundation on these enduring relationships.
Together with President Macron, the two countries are forging a Special Global Strategic Partnership. The Prime Minister outlined areas of cooperation, including technology, AI, defense, space, and climate action, noting the increased momentum and energy in their collaboration. He also celebrated 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation.
Modi recalled the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in France and the influence of French scholars who popularized Sanskrit. He further noted the spiritual bonds between India and France, citing the journey of The Mother from Paris to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the opening of a new chapter through ISKCON. Today, yoga has become a means of people-to-people connection between the nations, with images from the Eiffel Tower on International Yoga Day reflecting its popularity in France.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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