Paris Temple Marks New Chapter in India-France Ties: PM Modi

New Delhi, September 07, 2026 The inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir near Paris has marked a significant moment in India-France cultural relations. Addressing the gathering through a video message on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BAPS on the consecration of the temple and said the occasion reflected the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. “Today, in the capital of France, Paris, a magnificent Swaminarayan temple is being inaugurated. This inauguration is a new era of cultural relations between India and France,” he said. Located in Bussy-Saint-Georges in Seine-et-Marne, the temple is France’s first traditionally designed stone Hindu temple and is regarded as the largest of its kind in mainland Europe. The structure features intricately carved stones from India assembled with French engineering expertise. The consecration by BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj was held as part of a 13-day Festival of Culture. PM Modi recalled the vision of late BAPS spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj and said temples established by BAPS around the world help carry India’s cultural heritage and human values beyond its borders. Referring to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in 2024, he noted that thousands of people now visit the temple. “Through BAPS, when temples are inaugurated in different countries, the ancient thoughts of India and human values also go hand in hand,” PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also highlighted the wider India-France partnership, which has been elevated to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” covering areas such as defence, technology, space and climate action. He recalled historical and cultural links between the two countries, including the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in France, the writings of Romain Rolland on Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, the influence of the Mother at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the growing popularity of yoga in France. Modi expressed confidence that the Paris-area temple would become a centre for community service and help spread the message of Indian culture across Europe. He also said he hoped to visit the temple whenever his schedule permitted. The inauguration is being seen as a new cultural bridge between India and France, bringing together India’s spiritual heritage, traditional craftsmanship and France’s engineering expertise.