Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday assured members of the Indian diaspora in the United States that India would stand by its citizens facing difficulty or distress anywhere in the world. Addressing the Indian community in the Chicago area on Gandhi Jayanti, Goyal said India remained concerned about the safety and welfare of its people overseas. He cited situations in Yemen and Ukraine as examples of crises in which India had worked to support its citizens.

Goyal said Indians living abroad should continue to maintain their connection with their country of origin while contributing fully to the societies in which they live. Addressing Indian-Americans, he described the diaspora as an important link between India and the United States. He urged community members to act with honesty, loyalty and commitment towards the US, which he described as the country that had provided them with opportunities for their families and futures.

At the same time, Goyal encouraged members of the community to retain an emotional connection with India. Referring to the diaspora's contribution around the world, he said people of Indian origin remained an important part of India's global community. He also invoked Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, simplicity and truth, saying the principles associated with the freedom fighter continued to influence people beyond India's borders.

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Goyal's remarks came after he paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Sculpture in Skokie, Illinois, on Gandhi Jayanti. In a post on X, he said Gandhi's ideals remained relevant across generations and continued to inspire people globally. The minister's Chicago programme also included a visit to Fullerton Hall at the Art Institute of Chicago, where Swami Vivekananda delivered his address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in September 1893.

During his interaction with the diaspora, Goyal also spoke about India's approach towards its citizens during overseas emergencies. He said the government remained attentive to Indians caught in difficult circumstances and would continue to provide support to them and their families. He referred to India's response during crises in countries including Yemen and Ukraine while emphasising the continuing relationship between the diaspora and India.

Goyal said there are about 40 million people of Indian origin living across the world and highlighted their role in strengthening India's international connections. He urged Indian-Americans to uphold honesty, integrity and hard work while contributing to their adopted country. At the same time, he encouraged them to preserve their cultural and emotional ties with India, describing the diaspora as a continuing bridge between the two countries.

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