Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the relationship between India and France has reached new heights over the past several years, as both countries continue to strengthen their Special Global Strategic Partnership.
Speaking through video conferencing during the inauguration of the Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris, Prime Minister Modi said India and France are moving forward together across areas including technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Strengthening of India-France strategic and cultural ties
Authority/Organisation: Government of India / Government of France
Action Taken: Cooperation expanded across strategic, technological and cultural sectors
Impact: New momentum to India-France relations through innovation and cultural diplomacy.
Modi said the two countries are observing this year as the India-France Year of Innovation, giving further momentum to cooperation between the two nations.
The Prime Minister said the India-France Strategic Partnership is distinctive because it is supported by longstanding cultural and political connections. He also recalled the historical contribution and sacrifices of Indian soldiers in France, saying the shared history remains part of the collective memory of both societies.
Highlighting the cultural links between India and France, Modi referred to the role of French scholars in promoting Sanskrit and cited the writings of Romain Rolland on Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda as examples of the intellectual and cultural connections between the two countries.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The remarks underline the expanding scope of India-France ties beyond traditional strategic cooperation, with AI, technology, space, climate action and cultural exchanges emerging as important areas of partnership.
He also highlighted the spiritual links between India and France, referring to Sri Aurobindo's ashram in Puducherry, the spiritual journey of The Mother, and the work of Srila Prabhupada Swami through ISKCON in France.
According to Modi, yoga has also emerged as an important channel of people-to-people connection between India and France. He pointed to International Yoga Day events near the Eiffel Tower as an example of yoga's popularity in France.
The inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris, he said, adds another dimension to the cultural relationship between the two countries.
Modi also described the temple as an example of India-France cooperation, saying it is "Made in India and Built in France." He noted that a significant portion of the stone used in the temple was carved in India, bringing together India's traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering in France.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the temple would stand for generations as a symbol of cooperation between India and France. He also said Swaminarayan temples have traditionally served not only as centres of devotion but also as centres of service.
