Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal took the podium at a gathering of Indian expatriates in Berlin on Monday, October 24, 2026. He praised the community’s conduct abroad, calling it "peace‑loving" and noting that Indians rarely take to the streets to create disturbances. Goyal highlighted the respect the diaspora enjoys in Germany, saying they are "very wanted, very welcome" and that they "know you don't indulge in vandalism". His remarks came as European protests over cost of living and public services were escalating.
Berlin’s event unfolded amid a wave of demonstrations across France and Italy. In Paris, police deployed 70,000 officers, arrested 1,314 people, and suffered about 50 injuries during clashes. Similar unrest erupted in Turin, Rome, and Bologna, while Milan stayed calm.
Goyal urged diaspora members to harness their influence to support children in India, offering mentorship, digital training and career guidance. He added that the community’s positive reputation could help bridge opportunities for young Indians. The minister’s comments were delivered as part of a three‑day official visit to Germany, scheduled from October 22 to 24.
He will conclude the trip in Berlin and return to India, where the government plans to roll out a new initiative to connect overseas Indians with educational programs for domestic students. The initiative aims to channel the diaspora’s resources into skill development and entrepreneurship support.