Goyal in Berlin: Indians Don’t Indulge in Vandalism

Berlin, October 26: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal used a meeting with the Indian community in Berlin to take a swipe at the street protests that have been unsettling parts of Europe.

Speaking during a two-day visit to Germany, Goyal said that host countries respect Indians because they stay out of trouble. “They know you don’t do vandalism,” he told the gathering. “They know you don’t do all those street gundagardi types to society as we are seeing in other parts of Europe.”

“Abide by the law, take care of your families”

His message to the diaspora was a mix of praise and reassurance. As long as Indians follow the law of the land and look after their families, he said, they will always be welcome. Goyal described the community as peace-loving, family-oriented and hardworking.

The comments came as protests in France over rising living costs, inequality and government economic policy drew large crowds on October 24. Reports say demonstrations in France, Spain and Italy over living costs and public services have also seen clashes and vandalism in places, although many remained peaceful. Goyal did not name any country in the remarks I could find.

A request for older hands to help newcomers

Goyal also had a more practical request. He urged established members of the Indian community to help Indian students coming to Germany, particularly those from less well-off families, who often arrive without much support. He also pointed to Germany’s interest in attracting skilled Indian professionals.

The rest of the visit

The remarks were a side note to a working trip. Goyal’s agenda in Germany, and a stop in the Netherlands, included meetings with German government officials, business leaders and research institutions, with talks on trade, investment, advanced manufacturing, skilled migration and emerging technologies. He also took part in discussions on European climate policy at the Berlin Global Dialogue, where he warned that carbon border measures and steel import tariffs could hurt consumers. He met Indian researchers and students, and Indian business delegates held talks with German firms.

Why the line is being noticed

Ministers often talk up the diaspora, and Goyal’s praise is in that tradition. What has drawn attention is the comparison. Describing protests in other countries as “gundagardi” is strong language for a minister speaking abroad, and it ties the diaspora’s reputation to a contrast with European demonstrators. Some listeners may hear it as pride in the community. Others may think it a needlessly sharp comment about countries that are hosting those same communities and negotiating trade with India.

I didn’t find a response from any European government or from the Indian opposition to the remarks.

What to watch

Whether the comments get any reaction in Europe or at home, and what comes out of the trade and investment talks that were the main reason for the trip.