NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed India-France relations, saying that the strategic partnership between the two countries is particularly special because it rests on the solid foundation of long-standing cultural and political ties.Addressing the inauguration of the Swaminarayan temple in Paris, Modi hoped that the grand temple would stand for centuries as a symbol of cooperation and opportunity between the two nations.“In recent years, relations between India and France have reached new heights. Together with my friend, President (Emmanuel) Macron, both nations are building a Special Global Strategic Partnership,” he said.The Prime Minister said the inauguration was more than a religious or architectural occasion, asserting that it embodied the spirit of universal brotherhood and the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.“Today, this stage has become an awakened platform for the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” he said.PM Modi also underlined that the establishment of temples and the spread of India’s spiritual traditions overseas also carry with them the country’s philosophical message of human unity. Referring to the ideal that minds should be united and hearts connected, he said India’s civilisational thought has a universal appeal.PM Modi also placed the inauguration in the wider context of the rapidly expanding India-France partnership, noting that New Delhi and Paris were working together to build what he described as a Special Global Strategic Partnership.“We are also celebrating 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation. This strategic partnership is particularly special because it rests on the solid foundation of our long-standing cultural and political ties,” he said.
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“Both countries are building a Special Global Strategic Partnership together,” he said, while recalling his cooperation with French President Emmanuel Macron.PM Modi said history bears witness that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers in France remains alive in the hearts of people to this day.“Language enthusiasts also know the pivotal role French scholars played in popularising Sanskrit. Romain Rolland’s writings on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda brought our societies closer,” he said.
