New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India and France have taken their relationship to new heights, describing the partnership between the two countries as especially significant because of its strong cultural and political foundations.
Addressing the virtual inauguration of a new Swaminarayan temple in Paris, Modi said India and France are jointly advancing a Special Global Strategic Partnership with growing cooperation across several areas. He highlighted technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action as key sectors where the two nations are working together.
The prime minister also noted that 2026 is being observed as the India France Year of Innovation, reflecting the expanding opportunities for collaboration and joint ventures between the two countries.
Highlighting the historical links between India and France, Modi recalled the contribution of Indian soldiers in France and the role played by French scholars in creating greater awareness of Indian philosophy and Sanskrit. He also referred to the writings of Romain Rolland on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, which helped strengthen cultural understanding between the two societies.
He further highlighted the spiritual connections linking the two nations, including the journey of Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual companion known as The Mother from Paris to Puducherry and the visit of Srila Prabhupada to France. Yoga, he said, has emerged as another important bridge between Indian and French communities.
Modi described the new BAPS Swaminarayan temple as a unique example of cooperation, with traditional stones carved in India combined with modern engineering in France.
He expressed confidence that the temple would contribute to France’s cultural diversity while strengthening people to people ties between the two countries. He also said Swaminarayan temples traditionally combine devotion with social service and expressed hope that the Paris temple would become a centre for community initiatives.
The prime minister added that the temple represents another important milestone in India France cultural relations and could help carry Indian traditions and human values to communities across Europe.
