New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the inauguration of the grand Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Paris as a new milestone in India-France cultural relations, saying it reflects the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.
Addressing the ceremony through a video message, Modi congratulated Mahant Swami, BAPS and devotees, saying the temple would strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Modi paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj and recalled his efforts to take India’s spiritual and cultural heritage across the world. Referring to the BAPS temple inaugurated in Abu Dhabi in 2024, he said the Paris temple represents a continuation of this global cultural journey.
The Prime Minister said Swaminarayan temples carry India’s ancient values and ideas to different countries and can become centres of devotion as well as social service.
Highlighting the temple’s construction, Modi called it “Made in India” and “Built in France.” He said several stones were carved in India, bringing together India’s traditional craftsmanship and French engineering.
He expressed hope that the temple would stand for centuries as a symbol of India-France cooperation.
Modi also highlighted the growing India-France strategic partnership, covering technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action. He noted that 2026 is being observed as the India-France Year of Innovation.
Recalling the countries’ longstanding cultural links, he cited French interest in Sanskrit, the writings of Romain Rolland on Indian spiritual figures, and the influence of Sri Aurobindo’s ashram in Puducherry.
Modi said yoga has also emerged as a strong bridge between the people of India and France.
He expressed confidence that the Paris temple would become a centre of service and culture for communities across Europe, and said he hoped to visit the temple personally for darshan in the future.
