Indians don't indulge in vandalism: Piyush Goyal takes dig at protests across Europe

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Monday that the Indian community does not engage in vandalism or create disturbances on the streets, drawing a direct contrast between Indian residents abroad and recent violent protests in Europe. Speaking to members of the Indian diaspora in Berlin during a two-day visit to Germany, Goyal described Indians as peace-loving individuals who earn respect in host nations through their law-abiding conduct and family-oriented lifestyles. His remarks occurred against the backdrop of widespread civil unrest across several European countries, where demonstrations over living costs and public services have frequently escalated into clashes, looting, and property damage. Goyal emphasized that a key indicator of a nation’s standing is how well its citizens are respected in foreign lands. He noted that Indians are highly valued and welcome in countries like Germany because they are perceived as stable contributors to society. According to Goyal, host communities recognize that Indians generally avoid disrupting social order, unlike scenes observed in other parts of Europe. He acknowledged that exceptions exist beyond the control of the broader community but maintained that the general reputation of the Indian diaspora remains positive due to their sincerity and hard work. The minister’s comments coincided with a second consecutive weekend of intense protests across Europe. Demonstrations took place in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Albania, and Belgium, driven by grievances regarding rising living costs, housing affordability, low wages, education conditions, and government policies. While many marches began peacefully, security forces faced significant resistance in major urban centers. In France, the Interior Ministry estimated that approximately 410,000 people participated in the demonstrations, whereas trade unions claimed the turnout reached 800,000. Authorities deployed roughly 70,000 police officers and gendarmes to maintain order, deploying armored vehicles and water cannons in preparation for potential disorder. Violence erupted in Paris as a march from Porte d'Italie toward Porte de Vincennes devolved into confrontations between riot police and demonstrators. Protesters constructed makeshift barricades using plywood and metal sheets, throwing projectiles at officers and smashing the windows of a car dealership. Police responded with baton charges, tear gas, and water cannons. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that several thousand radical activists, including about 500 identified rioters, had gathered at the rear of the march. Similar incidents occurred in Marseille, where trash bins were set ablaze and streets blocked, and in Bordeaux, where demonstrators removed building materials to build barriers. Tear gas was also used in Lyon to disperse crowds in areas declared off-limits. Italian cities experienced similar tensions on October 24. Tens of thousands protested in various locations, primarily young people demonstrating against high living costs, military spending, and Israel’s policies in the Middle East. Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Turin, Rome, and Bologna, although demonstrations in Milan remained peaceful despite the deployment of additional soldiers to prevent a repeat of previous week’s violence. In Spain, specifically Barcelona, demonstrators looted shops and set fires, prompting police intervention. Authorities in Rome, Turin, Brussels, and Tirana also utilized tear gas or water cannons to manage crowds. Data from the French Interior Ministry indicated that 1,314 people were arrested during the latest round of protests, and 53 police officers were injured. Security forces intervened in approximately 75 attempted arson cases and recorded 24 instances of looting. Although the scale of destruction was lower than the previous weekend, when businesses were targeted and buildings burned, the persistence of unrest has kept European governments on high alert. Shop owners in Paris had pre-installed plywood boards over storefronts to protect against potential damage. Curfews were imposed in certain neighborhoods, and specific assembly zones were prohibited following President Emmanuel Macron’s decree limiting unauthorized gatherings. Beyond addressing the geopolitical context, Goyal used the platform to urge the established Indian diaspora in Germany to support incoming Indian students. He encouraged senior community members to provide mentorship, digital training, and career guidance to help newcomers from financially weaker backgrounds navigate the challenges of studying and living abroad. Goyal highlighted the role of the diaspora in strengthening people-to-people ties and economic relations between India and Germany. During his official visit, which ran from October 22 to 24, Goyal met with German government officials, business leaders, and representatives from research institutions. These discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. The European protests reflect a fragmented yet persistent wave of discontent. In France, the unrest follows weeks of demonstrations by students demanding better school equipment and teachers, alongside broader labor actions against purchasing power declines exacerbated by fuel price increases linked to conflicts in the Middle East. The French government promised an intransigent approach to maintaining order, citing the need to prevent a recurrence of the severe riots that shocked the country the previous week. Despite the varied nature of the movements, the repeated clashes and massive security deployments underscore the strain on public order in multiple European capitals. Goyal’s diplomatic tour concluded with these interactions, reinforcing India’s focus on leveraging its diaspora network for both social cohesion and economic partnership with Germany.