New Delhi/Paris, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on the consecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir near Paris, describing the temple as a significant milestone in India-France cultural ties and a new chapter in the country’s cultural presence in Europe.
Addressing the gathering virtually, Modi said the inauguration of the magnificent temple in the French capital region represented a new era of cultural relations between India and France and reflected the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
“Today, in the capital of France, Paris, a magnificent Swaminarayan temple is being inaugurated. This inauguration is a new era of cultural relations between India and France,” Modi said in a video message.
He said that although he was not physically present in Paris, he felt connected to the auspicious occasion. The Prime Minister recalled the vision of late BAPS spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj to take India’s cultural and spiritual heritage across the world.
Modi also referred to the grand BAPS temple inaugurated in Abu Dhabi in 2024, saying such temples abroad carry India’s ancient thoughts and human values to different parts of the world.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges, Seine-et-Marne, is France’s first traditionally designed stone Hindu temple and is regarded as the largest of its kind in mainland Europe. Built with intricately carved stones from India and assembled using French engineering expertise, the temple was consecrated by BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj as part of a 13-day Festival of Culture.
Modi said the new temple would further strengthen cultural ties between India and France and add to France’s cultural diversity. He congratulated BAPS, Swaminarayan institutions and devotees on the occasion.
Highlighting India-France ties, Modi said the two countries had elevated their relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” spanning defence, technology, space and climate action. He also recalled historical and cultural links, including the contribution of Indian soldiers in France, French writer Romain Rolland’s writings on Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, and the popularity of yoga in France.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the temple would become a centre for community service and serve as a platform for India’s cultural values across Europe. He said he looked forward to visiting it when time permitted.
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