Story perspectives

Modi inaugurates BAPS Hindu temple in Paris

9/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris.
Modi said the stone and French-engineered temple symbolizes India-France cooperation.
He described the temple as a platform for humanitarian work and Indian cultural outreach in Europe.
Modi linked the opening to the Special Global Strategic Partnership, citing AI, defence, space and climate cooperation.
He noted the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation will boost joint ventures in emerging technologies.

History

Historical Context

After the Nuclear Suppliers Group granted India a waiver on 6 September 2008, France became the first nation to sign a civilian nuclear pact with India on 30 September 2008, later agreeing in December 2010 to supply two 1650 MW EPR reactors at Jaitapur. Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Paris highlights how that early technology partnership has expanded into cultural diplomacy between the two countries.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris.
Modi said the stone and French-engineered temple symbolizes India-France cooperation.
He described the temple as a platform for humanitarian work and Indian cultural outreach in Europe.
Modi linked the opening to the Special Global Strategic Partnership, citing AI, defence, space and climate cooperation.
He noted the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation will boost joint ventures in emerging technologies.

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