Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Modi Calls Paris BAPS Temple Milestone for India-France Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the opening of a Hindu temple near Paris by video.
The temple is called the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir.
He said it shows the close cultural friendship between India and France.
He connected the temple with the idea that the whole world is one family.
Indian craftsmen carved many of the stones, and the structure was assembled with engineering in France.
Modi said the temple could be a place for worship and service to people.
He also spoke about yoga, Sanskrit and other links between the two countries.
India and France are working together in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir near Paris on September 6, 2026.
Modi described the temple as a milestone in India-France cultural relations and a symbol of universal brotherhood.
The temple combines Indian stone carving and craftsmanship with engineering carried out in France.
Modi linked the inauguration to wider cooperation with France in technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action.
He said the temple could support spiritual activities, community service and humanitarian initiatives across Europe.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the temple; Mahant Swami Maharaj performed its Vedic consecration ceremony, according to one report.
- What
- The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir was inaugurated and consecrated as a symbol of India-France cultural ties.
- When
- Sunday, September 6, 2026.
- Where
- Near Paris, France.
- Why
- The inauguration was presented as a milestone in cultural relations and as part of the broader India-France strategic partnership.
- Temple
- BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir
- Location
- Near Paris, France
- Inauguration
- Virtually conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Consecration
- Performed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, according to the News18 report
- Construction
- Many stones were carved in India and incorporated using engineering in France
- Bilateral cooperation
- Technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space, climate action and joint ventures
- 2026 designation
- India-France Year of Innovation
Sources
Paris Gets BAPS Swaminarayan Temple; PM Narendra Modi Calls Consecration A Milestone For India-France Ties
Milestone in India-France Cultural Ties: PM Modi on Inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris
PM Modi hails new heights in India-France ties, says 'Swaminarayan Temple in Paris will strengthen cultural bonds'
