A magnet for global dignitaries: World leaders who visited New Delhi’s Akshardham temple

​New Delhi’s Akshardham temple stands as a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual pride. Inaugurated on 6 November 2005, it has served as a magnet for global dignitaries who visit India. The temple pays tribute to traditional Indian Hindu architecture, drawing from ancient and medieval Indian architectural treatises known as the Shilpa Shastras, reflected in its intricate carvings, harmonious proportions, and sacred layout. Many high-profile dignitaries have visited Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s abode, Akshardham.​

United States Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and their three children, visited the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi on Monday morning, shortly after arriving for a four-day official visit to India from April 21 to 24. Temple spokesperson Radhika Shukla stated that the Vice President spent 55 minutes exploring the temple, appreciating its intricate carvings, and offering prayers for world peace. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha )

​Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon visited BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham March 18, 2025 with a 110-member delegation, including senior government officials, ministers, business leaders, and community representatives from New Zealand. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty, visited BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India, on September 10, 2023 during his official trip to the city for the G20 summit. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha )

Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League and President of the International Islamic Halal Organization arrived from Saudia Arabia on a five-day visit to India. During his stay in New Delhi, he made a special three-hour visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham on July 13, 2023 to witness the splendour of Indian art, architecture, culture and values, and India’s glorious contributions to the world. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha )

Former Myanmar President Win Myint and First Lady Daw Cho Cho visited Swaminarayan Akshardham on February 26, 2020 as part of an official state visit to India. The 28-member Myanmar delegation also included the Union Minister for International Cooperation Mr. U Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Mr. Thura U Aung Ko, Union Minister for Transport and Communications Mr. U Thant Sin Maung, Chief Minister Rakhine State Mr. U Nyi Pu and Myanmar Ambassador to India Mr. Moe Kyaw Aung. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro kicked off his first-ever state trip to India with a visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham on January 24, 2020. As the chief guest at India’s 71st Republic Day Parade, President Bolsonaro visited with a 50-member delegation, including his two young daughters, eight ministers, four members of the Brazilian Parliament, senior officials and a large business delegation. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha )

Khaltmaagiin Battulga, former President of Mongolia, visited Swaminarayan Akshardham September 19, 2019. President Battulga and members of the Mongolian delegation offered their prayers for world peace, harmony and for Mongolia and the people of Mongolia by offering abhishek, the ceremonial pouring of sanctified water on the sacred image of Shri Neelkanth Varni Maharaj. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha )

Moon Jae-in, former President of the Republic of Korea, started his first-ever state trip to India with a visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham on July 8, 2018. President Moon and South Korean First Lady, Mrs. Kim Jung-sook, were able to experience the ageless beauty, borderless culture and timeless values of India at Akshardham. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha )

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was traditionally welcomed on behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha by Brahmavihari Swami on June 26, 2018. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha )

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied then then-Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on a visit to the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple on April 10, 2017. The two leaders travelled by metro from Mandi House to Akshardham station. (Pic: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)