Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India-France relations have reached new heights, describing the strategic partnership between the two nations as particularly special due to its long-standing cultural and political foundations.

PM Modi inaugurates Paris temple virtually

Addressing the virtual inauguration of the Swaminarayan temple in Paris, PM Modi expressed hope that the grand temple would stand for centuries as a symbol of cooperation and opportunity between India and France.

He said both countries are working together with renewed momentum across technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action.

Innovation takes centre stage in partnership

PM Modi noted that 2026 is being celebrated as the India-France Year of Innovation, highlighting the growing importance of cooperation in emerging technologies and other strategic areas.

He said the partnership is strengthened by decades of cultural and political connections between the two countries.

Shared history strengthens people-to-people ties

The Prime Minister also recalled the contribution of Indian soldiers who made sacrifices in France, saying their memory continues to remain alive.

He highlighted the role played by French scholars in popularising Sanskrit and referred to Romain Rolland’s writings on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda as examples of the historical cultural links between the two societies.

PM Modi also recalled the spiritual journey of ‘The Mother’ from Paris to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry and Srila Prabhupada Swami’s visit to France, which he said strengthened spiritual connections through ISKCON.

Yoga becomes another bridge between nations

The Prime Minister said yoga has emerged as another important bridge between people in India and France. He pointed to the popularity of yoga in France, including images of International Yoga Day celebrations near the Eiffel Tower.

PM Modi said the shared cultural, spiritual and strategic connections provide a strong foundation as India and France continue to deepen their partnership.