Zillar Barta Desk, Berlin/New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has praised the Indian diaspora in Germany, highlighting the community's conduct, contribution and reputation abroad. In his remarks, Goyal said that Indians are widely recognised for not engaging in vandalism or taking to the streets to create social disturbances, drawing a comparison with unrest witnessed in some other parts of Europe.
“Countries know Indians don’t indulge in vandalism and go onto the streets to create disturbances in society like we are seeing in other parts of Europe,” Goyal said.
His remarks highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora in shaping India's international image through professional achievements, community participation and engagement with their host countries.
Indians living overseas have established a presence across a wide range of sectors, including information technology, healthcare, engineering, research, education, business and finance. Their professional contributions and participation in local communities have helped strengthen connections between India and countries around the world.
Germany is home to Indian students, skilled professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs and business leaders. Over the years, educational exchanges, employment opportunities and commercial partnerships have contributed to closer links between the two countries.
Goyal's comments drew attention to the role that overseas Indian communities can play in promoting cultural understanding and strengthening bilateral relations. Members of the diaspora often serve as a bridge between their country of origin and their country of residence through professional networks, cultural activities and economic cooperation.
Beyond praising the community's reputation, Goyal also called on established members of the Indian diaspora to extend support to Indian students arriving in Germany, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
He emphasised that the experience and guidance of Indians already settled in Germany could help newcomers adapt to a different education system, understand local opportunities and overcome the initial challenges of living abroad. Mentorship, professional networking and practical assistance, he suggested, could make a meaningful difference to young Indians pursuing education and careers overseas.
Goyal also highlighted the diaspora's potential to strengthen economic relations between India and Germany. He described overseas Indians as a “living bridge” who could help Indian businesses establish international partnerships, access European markets and attract investment.
During his visit to Berlin, the minister held discussions with German government representatives, business executives and research institutions. The engagements focused on trade, investment, advanced manufacturing, scientific research and emerging technologies.
He encouraged members of the Indian community to use their professional experience, business networks and knowledge of local markets to help Indian companies expand their international presence.
The minister's appeal reflected the growing importance of people-to-people connections in economic diplomacy, particularly as India seeks to expand exports, attract investment and develop stronger partnerships with European economies.
The Indian community in Germany includes students, researchers, healthcare professionals, engineers, technology specialists, entrepreneurs and business leaders. Their contributions span education, scientific research, healthcare, manufacturing and other important sectors.
Historical connections have also played a role in strengthening relations between the two countries. Referring to the contribution of Indian nurses who travelled to West Germany during the 1960s, Goyal highlighted how their work in hospitals and care homes helped build trust and lasting people-to-people connections.
Such contributions demonstrate how migration, professional cooperation and cultural exchanges can create enduring links between societies.
Goyal's comments in Berlin placed the conduct and achievements of the Indian diaspora at the centre of his interaction with the community. His comparison with unrest in parts of Europe reflected his assessment of how Indians are perceived abroad.
However, protests across European countries vary considerably in their causes and conduct, and many demonstrations take place peacefully. The minister's remarks were directed at incidents of vandalism and social disturbances rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of protest movements across Europe.
His broader message focused on the importance of responsible community participation, professional contribution and constructive engagement with host societies.
India and Germany have continued to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technology, research and industrial development. The Indian diaspora can contribute to this relationship by connecting businesses, facilitating professional exchanges and helping students and skilled workers navigate opportunities in Germany.
Goyal's interaction with the community highlighted the potential for overseas Indians to contribute both to their adopted country and to India's economic development.
By encouraging established community members to support newcomers and help Indian businesses enter international markets, the minister underlined the practical role the diaspora can play in strengthening bilateral ties.
The visit and his remarks in Berlin brought together two key themes: recognition of the Indian community's contribution abroad and an appeal for greater participation in India's economic growth. Goyal's message was that the diaspora's professional expertise, international networks and community connections can remain valuable assets in building closer relations between India and Germany.
