Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris through video conference on September 6, 2026. The temple marks a significant cultural milestone in India-France relations. The structure combines traditional Indian architectural craftsmanship with modern French engineering.
What the Prime Minister said
Mr Modi described the temple as a “new milestone in the cultural relations between India and France.” He stated that the structure would enrich France’s cultural diversity while strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The Prime Minister highlighted India-France cooperation across multiple domains, including artificial intelligence, defence, space exploration, and climate action. He noted that 2026 has been designated as the India-France Year of Innovation, reflecting the expanded scope of partnership between the two countries.
Mr Modi traced a lineage of spiritual and cultural exchange between India and France spanning decades. He recalled how French scholars had played an important role in promoting Sanskrit globally, and referenced historical figures like Romain Rolland and The Mother as bridges between Indian and French intellectual traditions. He also mentioned the earlier consecration of a BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi in 2024.
The Prime Minister pointed to yoga practice near the Eiffel Tower and this new temple as mediums for people-to-people connection. He noted that the temple would undertake humanitarian and social welfare projects alongside its spiritual functions. He expressed confidence that Indian cultural values emanating from Paris would influence a broader European audience.
What this means for you
The inauguration signals India’s growing religious and cultural presence in Europe through formal institutional spaces. For Indians abroad, particularly in France, the temple provides a centre for worship and community gathering. The emphasis on India-France partnership in innovation and technology suggests increased collaboration opportunities in these sectors for both nations in coming years.