Modi Says India-France Ties Reach New Heights
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India-France relations have reached “new heights”, highlighting expanding cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action while inaugurating a new BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Paris virtually.
Modi Highlights India-France Strategic Partnership
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Modi said India and France were moving forward with renewed momentum and described the relationship as a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
He said the partnership rests on long-standing cultural and political ties, while cooperation between the two countries has widened considerably in recent years. India and France formally upgraded their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier in 2026.
Modi also pointed to the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 as an example of growing collaboration in emerging technologies and research.
Defence, AI and Space Drive Bilateral Cooperation
The Prime Minister said India and France were working closely across key strategic sectors, including defence manufacturing, artificial intelligence, space cooperation and climate action.
Bilateral ties have expanded through defence projects, technology partnerships and joint ventures, with both governments seeking deeper industrial and strategic cooperation under the long-term Horizon 2047 framework.
Paris Swaminarayan Temple Adds Cultural Link
Modi said the newly inaugurated BAPS Swaminarayan temple would add another dimension to India-France cultural relations and serve as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries.
He described the temple as “Made in India” and “Built in France”, noting that several of its stones were carved in India before being incorporated into the structure in Paris.
The Prime Minister also highlighted historical cultural connections, including the contribution of French scholars to Sanskrit studies, the popularity of yoga in France and earlier spiritual exchanges involving Indian religious figures.
Modi said he hoped to visit the temple during a future trip to France.
