New Delhi, Sept 7:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India-France relations have reached “new heights”, describing the partnership as a Special Global Strategic Partnership built on longstanding cultural and political ties.
Addressing virtually the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris, Modi said the temple would become a lasting symbol of cooperation, cultural exchange and shared opportunities between the two countries. He highlighted growing cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action, noting that 2026 is being observed as the India-France Year of Innovation.
Modi also underlined the historical links between the two nations, recalling the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in France and the contribution of French scholars to the popularisation of Sanskrit. He said the Paris temple represented another chapter in the cultural relationship, with Indian craftsmanship and stone combined with modern engineering in France.