The Indian government has publicly distanced itself from a burgeoning political dispute in France sparked by a private visit of a Hindu delegation to the Eiffel Tower, which led to a temporary closure of the landmark. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi that the situation was a "matter purely between the entities concerned," addressing questions regarding allegations that female staff members at the monument were asked to limit interactions during the tour.
The controversy arose after a weekend visit by representatives of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual inauguration of a BAPS temple in a Paris suburb. While local French trade unions and officials condemned the reported workplace restrictions placed on female employees, the Indian government maintained that the Prime Minister's video address was part of routine diplomatic custom to convey good wishes and bore no operational link to the private tour group's subsequent site visit.
External Affairs Ministry Response and Context
Speaking at a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the ministry bore no responsibility for the events unfolding at the Parisian landmark. "We are aware of the opening of a temple by the BAPS Sanstha in the Paris area. As to the particular issue pertaining to the Tower, this is a matter purely between the entities concerned," Jaiswal stated when pressed on the diplomatic fallout.
Addressing Prime Minister Modi's virtual participation in the temple inauguration, Jaiswal noted that such greetings represent standard diplomatic protocol. "It is a common practice for the Prime Minister to convey his good wishes on such occasions. In this case, it was done virtually. There is no cause for any comment in this regard," he added, separating the official cultural engagement from the operational controversies at the tourist attraction.
Paris Investigation and Local Political Fallout
The dispute gained significant traction across French political circles after the Eiffel Tower was forced to close for a day following protests by staff unions. Local trade unions sharply condemned what they characterized as instructions to sideline female personnel based on gender during the BAPS delegation's tour. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire backed the protesting employees, terming the alleged exclusion "unacceptable" and contrary to republican values, prompting municipal authorities to launch an immediate formal inquiry.
Prominent French political figures also weighed heavily into the debate. Equality Minister Aurore Bergé declared that women in France should not be asked to erase themselves, asserting that no religious doctrine supersedes republican law. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen and former prime minister Gabriel Attal similarly voiced opposition to any cultural or religious imposition affecting women's presence in public life.
BAPS Response and Organizational Stance
In response to the mounting public scrutiny and staff protests, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha issued a formal statement defending the scheduling of their visit. The organization explained that the tour was intentionally arranged at the start of normal opening hours to minimize public disruption given the substantial size of the delegation.
The spiritual organization stated that it took the concerns raised by staff members "very seriously" and asserted that, to its knowledge, no employee had been explicitly denied access to the monument. Nevertheless, BAPS offered an apology for any pain or inconvenience caused, emphasizing its institutional commitment to principles of mutual respect and community service.
Unfolding Procedures and Local Administrative Inquiry
With Paris city officials conducting a formal inquiry into the workplace instructions issued during the delegation's visit, attention remains focused on municipal accountability and staff union negotiations. The temporary one-day closure of the Eiffel Tower underscored the operational sensitivities surrounding large delegations at major international heritage sites.
As municipal authorities review the timeline of events and staff testimonies, both French officials and Indian representatives have sought to isolate the administrative inquiry from broader bilateral cultural ties. No further official statements regarding the investigation's timeline or specific findings have been released by Paris municipal authorities.
