Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described India-France relations as having reached “new heights”, highlighting growing cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action.

Addressing the inauguration of a new Swaminarayan temple in Paris virtually on Sunday, Modi said India and France were building a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” under his close engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The prime minister said the partnership was not limited to strategic and economic cooperation but was also supported by longstanding cultural and political connections between the two countries.

Modi Highlights Strategic Partnership

Modi said India and France were moving ahead with renewed momentum across several areas of strategic importance.

He specifically highlighted technology, AI, defence, space and climate action as sectors in which the two countries are strengthening cooperation.

The two nations are also observing 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation, giving greater emphasis to research, technology partnerships and innovation-led economic cooperation.

Modi described the bilateral relationship as distinctive because of the depth of its political, cultural and people-to-people connections.

The partnership has expanded significantly in recent years, with France emerging as one of India's key European partners in defence, strategic technology and the Indo-Pacific.

Paris Temple Marks Cultural Link

The prime minister said the newly inaugurated Swaminarayan temple could become a lasting symbol of the relationship between India and France.

Speaking at the virtual event, Modi expressed hope that the temple would stand for centuries as a symbol of cooperation, cultural exchange and new opportunities.

The temple also represents the growing presence of Indian-origin communities and Indian cultural institutions in France.

Modi used the occasion to connect the religious and cultural event with the broader history of exchanges between the two societies.

Indian Soldiers Remembered

Modi referred to the historical role played by Indian soldiers who fought in France during the two World Wars.

He said the sacrifices of Indian soldiers on French soil remained part of the historical memory connecting the two countries.

India's military contribution during the First and Second World Wars has long been an important element of historical ties between India and France.

The prime minister presented that shared history as one of the foundations supporting the modern strategic relationship.

French Scholars Studied Sanskrit

Modi also highlighted the contribution of French scholars to India's cultural and intellectual connections with Europe.

He referred to French interest in Sanskrit and Indian philosophy, saying scholars and writers had helped bring the societies closer.

The prime minister specifically mentioned Romain Rolland, whose writings on Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda helped introduce aspects of Indian spiritual thought to French and wider European audiences.

Modi said such intellectual exchanges demonstrated that India-France ties had developed through more than formal diplomatic relations.

Sri Aurobindo Link Recalled

The prime minister also referred to the spiritual journey of Mirra Alfassa, popularly known as “The Mother”, who travelled from France to Puducherry and became closely associated with Sri Aurobindo's spiritual movement.

Modi said her journey from Paris to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram had inspired generations of spiritual seekers in both India and France.

He also recalled the visit of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), to France decades ago.

Modi presented these historical episodes as examples of the people-to-people exchanges that have contributed to the cultural dimension of India-France relations.

Yoga Builds People Ties

Yoga has emerged as another prominent element of India's cultural engagement with France.

Modi said yoga had become a bridge connecting people in both countries and pointed to the participation of people in France during the annual International Day of Yoga.

He particularly referred to images of yoga activities around the Eiffel Tower as evidence of the practice's growing popularity in France.

Such cultural exchanges have complemented the broader diplomatic relationship and helped expand public engagement beyond government-to-government ties.

Innovation Year In Focus

The designation of 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation reflects the growing importance of technology and research in bilateral relations.

Both countries have sought to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, space applications and clean-energy solutions.

Innovation has increasingly become a central pillar of India's international partnerships as New Delhi seeks to strengthen research capabilities, technology ecosystems and strategic supply chains.

For France, deeper engagement with India also supports its broader Indo-Pacific strategy and efforts to build partnerships with major emerging economies.

Defence And Space Cooperation

Defence remains one of the strongest pillars of the India-France strategic partnership.

France has been a major supplier of military equipment to India, while both countries have developed cooperation in defence manufacturing, technology and maritime security.

Space cooperation is another established area of engagement, with the two countries working through their respective space agencies on scientific and satellite-related programmes.

The relationship has also expanded into climate and clean-energy initiatives, reflecting a wider agenda that goes beyond traditional strategic cooperation.

Partnership Enters New Phase

Modi's remarks in Paris underline India's effort to build its relationship with France across strategic, technological and cultural dimensions.

The two countries' cooperation now extends from defence and space to artificial intelligence, innovation, climate action and people-to-people exchanges.

At the same time, historical links involving Indian soldiers, French scholars, spiritual figures and the growing popularity of yoga provide the relationship with a broader social foundation.

As India-France cooperation enters a new phase, the challenge for both governments will be to translate the expanding strategic partnership into sustained projects in technology, innovation, defence, climate action and economic cooperation.