BAPS-Eiffel Tower Row: MEA Says Matter ‘Purely’ Between Concerned Entities
BAPS has apologised over the Eiffel Tower row, while France’s equality minister and Marine Le Pen criticised reports of restrictions on women during the delegation’s visit.
- BAPS Eiffel Tower visit sparked controversy regarding women.
- BAPS apologized for inconvenience, denied denying access.
- French ministers condemned reported restrictions on women's presence.
The controversy over a BAPS delegation’s visit to the Eiffel Tower has drawn reactions from India and France after reports that women employees were asked to avoid certain areas during the visit. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it was aware of the reports but maintained that the issue was “purely between the entities concerned”. BAPS, meanwhile, said it understood the concerns and had arranged the visit with the Eiffel Tower team to minimise disruption. The group said no one was denied access and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
MEA Keeps Distance
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was aware of the opening of a BAPS temple in the Paris area. However, responding to the specific issue concerning the Eiffel Tower, he said it was a matter “purely between the entities concerned”.
#WATCH | Delhi: On reports that women employees at the Eiffel Tower were asked to avoid certain areas during the BAPS delegation’s visit, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are aware of the opening of a temple by the BAPS Sanstha in the Paris area. As to the… pic.twitter.com/AlJmCVg2A7
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2026
BAPS Apologises
BAPS said it was aware of the concerns raised and was taking them “very seriously”. It expressed its “sincere apologies” to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced by the situation.
The organisation said it remained committed to the values of mutual respect and service to others, adding that it respected the concerns expressed over the incident.
French Ministers React
The reported arrangements also drew criticism in France.
French Equality Minister Aurore Berge criticised the decision in a post on X, saying that women in France should not be asked to “erase themselves”. She added that no dogma or religion was above the laws of the Republic.
Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen also condemned the reported restrictions. She said France would “never accept” women’s presence being limited.
The controversy comes as BAPS has opened a temple in the Paris region, an initiative acknowledged by the Indian foreign ministry while it sought to distance itself from the specific Eiffel Tower dispute.
Also Read: Eiffel Tower Closed As Staff Strike After Female Workers Asked To Step Aside For Hindu Group
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