Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India-France relations have reached new heights, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries across several key areas. He made the remarks while virtually addressing the inauguration of a new Swaminarayan temple in Paris. Modi said the temple would strengthen the cultural ties between India and France and hoped it would remain a symbol of cooperation and opportunity for generations.

"In recent years, relations between India and France have reached new heights. Together with my friend, President (Emmanuel) Macron, both nations are building a Special Global Strategic Partnership," he said.

Modi said India and France are working together in technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action. He also noted that the two countries are moving ahead with greater momentum and energy. India and France are celebrating 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, adding another dimension to their growing partnership.

"This strategic partnership is particularly special because it rests on the solid foundation of our long-standing cultural and political ties," he said.

The prime minister also pointed to the increasing discussion around joint venture opportunities between Indian and French companies. He said the relationship between the two countries goes beyond strategic cooperation and has deep historical and cultural links.

Modi recalled the contribution of Indian soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives in France. He said their sacrifice is still alive in the memories of people. He also highlighted the role of French scholars in bringing Indian culture and knowledge to a wider audience, particularly through their work on Sanskrit.

According to Modi, French writer Romain Rolland helped bring Indian and French societies closer through his writings on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. He also spoke about the spiritual journey of 'The Mother', who travelled from Paris to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry. He said her journey has inspired generations of Indian and French spiritual seekers.

Modi further recalled the visit of Srila Prabhupada Swami to France several decades ago. He said the visit opened another chapter in the spiritual relationship between the two countries through the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON.

The prime minister also mentioned the growing popularity of yoga in France. He said yoga has emerged as an important link between people in India and France. Images of people practising yoga near the Eiffel Tower on International Yoga Day, he said, show the growing popularity of the ancient Indian practice in the country.

Modi said the newly inaugurated Swaminarayan temple adds another dimension to the cultural relationship between the two nations. He described the temple as 'Made in India' and 'Built in France'. Several stones used in the construction were carved in India. The project combines India's traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering in France.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the values of Indian culture represented by the new temple would reach people across Europe. He said the temple could become an important centre for cultural exchange and service. Modi also said he would try to visit the temple and pay his respects whenever he gets an opportunity in the future.

"Now, through this magnificent BAPS temple (BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha), another milestone is being added to our cultural relations," he said.

Modi highlighted the role of Swaminarayan temples as centres of both devotion and public service. He said he had been informed that the new temple in Paris would also undertake service projects, continuing the tradition followed by such temples in different countries.

He added that BAPS temples carry India's ancient ideas and human values to different parts of the world whenever they are consecrated. The new temple in France, he said, would contribute to the country's cultural diversity while giving fresh energy to India-France cultural relations.

The inauguration comes at a time when India and France are expanding cooperation across strategic sectors while also strengthening their people-to-people and cultural connections. The Paris temple is expected to serve as another symbol of this relationship, bringing together Indian heritage, French engineering and a shared commitment to cultural exchange.