Piyush Goyal praises the Indian diaspora in Berlin for its peaceful conduct while calling for stronger India-Germany trade, investment and educational ties. (Images: X)
Berlin: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has praised the Indian diaspora in Germany for its peaceful conduct, contrasting it with disturbances reported during protests in parts of Europe. Speaking to members of the Indian community in Berlin during his two-day official visit, Goyal highlighted the reputation of Indians abroad and urged them to support students arriving in Germany for education.
“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. He encouraged established members of the Indian community to help young Indians, particularly students from financially weaker backgrounds, adjust to life in Germany. He also highlighted Germany's interest in attracting skilled Indian professionals, describing Indians as hardworking and committed.
Beyond his interaction with the diaspora, Goyal held meetings with German government representatives and business leaders to explore opportunities for stronger economic cooperation. His engagements included discussions with Levin Holle of the German Federal Chancellery, Siemens Healthineers CEO Bernd Montag, Bertelsmann executive Carsten Coesfeld and Volkswagen CFO and Škoda Auto CEO Holger Peters.
The minister also participated in discussions with German research institutions on advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, power electronics, battery technologies and industrial innovation. The meetings aimed to identify opportunities for investment, research partnerships and collaboration between industry and academia.
According to figures cited by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India-Germany bilateral trade reached $31.03 billion in FY2025-26. India's exports to Germany grew 8.44% year-on-year compared with the previous financial year.
Goyal's visit focused on expanding trade, strengthening industrial partnerships and deepening cooperation in emerging technologies. Support for Indian students and professionals also featured prominently in his outreach to the diaspora.
