PM Modi inaugurates Grand BAPS Temple in Paris, calls it new milestone in India-France ties

“This grand Swaminarayan Temple is a new milestone in the cultural relations between India and France,” Modi said.

Addressing the gathering remotely, Modi said the occasion reflected India's ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world as one family.

“Today, this stage has become an awakened platform for the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” he said.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be associated with the occasion, Modi said he felt emotionally connected to the celebrations despite not being physically present in Paris.

“I continue to get the opportunity to associate with such pious occasions. In mind and spirit, I am experiencing myself right among you,” he said.

Paying tribute to Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Modi recalled his vision of reviving India's ancient cultural and spiritual heritage and taking it to the global stage.

He said the mission had gained significant momentum over the years, with the message of India's spiritual and cultural traditions spreading across the world, including Europe.

“Today, the light of that renaissance is spreading across the entire world, including Europe,” Modi said.

Referring to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in 2024, Modi said the Paris temple reflected the continued dedication and vision of spiritual leaders.

“This continuity of creation is a testament to the sheer resolve of the saints,” he said.

Modi also paid his respects to Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj and congratulated the BAPS organisation and its followers on the inauguration.

“I express my gratitude for this pious work,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the establishment of temples around the world also helped take India's ancient philosophy and values to a global audience.

Referring to the principle of human unity, he said India's philosophy emphasised the need for people to remain connected in thought and spirit.

“India's thought advocates that our minds should be one and our hearts must connect,” Modi said.

Highlighting the wider cultural significance of the temple, Modi said it would contribute to France's cultural diversity while further strengthening India-France ties.

“This temple will surely enrich the diversity of France and energize our cultural relations,” he said.

Modi also highlighted the strengthening of India-France relations in recent years, crediting the leadership of both countries, including his engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Both countries are building a Special Global Strategic Partnership together,” he said.

He noted that bilateral cooperation had expanded across areas including artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action. He also highlighted the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation in 2026.

“We are moving forward together with a new momentum and new energy,” Modi said.

Underscoring the distinctive nature of the India-France partnership, Modi said its present strength was rooted in the longstanding cultural and political ties between the two countries.

“This Strategic Partnership is special because it rests on the strong foundation of our old cultural and political bonds,” he said.

Drawing a parallel between the growing popularity of yoga in France and the inauguration of the temple, Modi said both represented important avenues for strengthening people-to-people ties.

“A new chapter is being added to our cultural relations through this grand, divine temple,” he said.

In a lighter vein, Modi linked the temple's construction to the expanding scope of India-France cooperation in modern sectors.

“The Swaminarayan Temple has added a completely new dimension to the possibilities of joint ventures,” he said.

Highlighting the temple's architectural design, Modi said it represented a blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship and modern French engineering.

He noted that skilled artisans in India had carefully carved the stones before they were transported to France, where they were assembled using modern engineering techniques.

“This temple is truly 'Made in India' and 'Built in France',” Modi said.