Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India-France relations have reached new heights, describing the partnership as one built on strong political, strategic and cultural foundations.
He made the remarks while virtually addressing the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris. Further he said the temple would become a lasting symbol of cooperation and opportunity between India and France, while adding a new chapter to the countries’ longstanding cultural relationship.
“In recent years, relations between India and France have reached new heights,” PM Modi said, highlighting the Special Global Strategic Partnership being built with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Prime Minister said the two countries were moving forward with fresh momentum across technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action. He also noted that 2026 is being celebrated as the India-France Year of Innovation, reflecting the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.
Temple strengthens cultural ties
The Paris temple was central to PM Modi’s remarks, with the Prime Minister describing it as more than a place of worship.
He said the temple could stand for generations as a symbol of friendship, cooperation and shared opportunities between the two nations. Its construction, he noted, brought together Indian craftsmanship and modern engineering in France.
Many of the stones used in the temple were carved in India before being incorporated into the structure in France. PM Modi described the project as a blend of India’s traditional skills and French engineering capabilities.
He expressed confidence that the temple would enrich France’s cultural diversity and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The temple is also expected to serve as a centre for community service alongside its religious and cultural activities.
Strategic partnership expands
India-France relations have traditionally had a strong defence component, but the partnership has increasingly expanded into emerging technologies and other strategic sectors.
PM Modi said cooperation between the two countries now extends across artificial intelligence, space technology, defence, climate action and innovation.
The focus on innovation has gained particular importance this year, with 2026 designated as the India-France Year of Innovation. The initiative aims to encourage greater engagement among businesses, researchers, startups and institutions from both countries.
PM Modi also referred to growing discussions around joint ventures between India and France, signalling the potential for deeper economic and technological cooperation.
Defence remains an important pillar of the relationship, with India and France exploring greater opportunities in advanced technologies, manufacturing and strategic capabilities.
Shared history binds nations
While discussing the present and future of the partnership, he also highlighted the deep historical links between India and France.
He recalled the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers on French soil, saying their contribution remains part of the shared history of the two nations.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the role played by French scholars in popularising Sanskrit and Indian philosophy.
He referred to French writer Romain Rolland’s writings on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, saying such exchanges helped bring Indian and French societies closer.
PM Modi also mentioned the spiritual connection associated with Sri Aurobindo’s ashram in Puducherry and the visit of Srila Prabhupada to France, which contributed to the spread of Indian spiritual traditions in the country.
Yoga becomes another bridge
The Prime Minister said yoga has emerged as another important link between the people of India and France.
The growing popularity of International Yoga Day celebrations in Paris, including events held near the Eiffel Tower, has become a visible example of India’s cultural influence in France.
He said such connections demonstrate that the India-France relationship extends beyond government-to-government engagement. Cultural exchanges, spiritual traditions and people-to-people contacts have created a wider foundation for the strategic partnership.
Innovation takes centre stage
The growing focus on innovation comes at a time when both India and France are looking to strengthen cooperation in areas that will shape the global economy.
Artificial intelligence, space, clean energy, advanced technology and climate action are increasingly becoming key areas of collaboration.
France has always been an important European partner for India in defence, technology and strategic affairs. France, meanwhile, sees India as an increasingly significant partner because of its growing economy, technological capabilities and strategic position.
The two countries are also seeking greater cooperation at a time of changing global alliances and economic uncertainties.
A partnership beyond diplomacy
The inauguration of the Paris temple offered a more personal dimension to a relationship often discussed in terms of defence agreements, strategic cooperation and technology.
The temple is significant for the Indian community there as it represents a place to preserve cultural traditions and pass them on to younger generations. The wider French society, view it as another element to the country’s multicultural landscape.
PM Modi said the temple would carry Indian cultural and human values to people across Europe, while serving as a reminder of the possibilities created through cooperation between India and France.
The message from Paris was therefore broader than a diplomatic statement. It brought together culture, spirituality, innovation, technology and strategic cooperation as different strands of an increasingly close relationship.
As India and France deepen their Special Global Strategic Partnership, the relationship is moving beyond traditional areas of cooperation. From defence and space to AI, climate action and cultural exchange, both countries are building a partnership that reflects their shared interests and changing global priorities.
