Commerce Minister tells Indian-Americans that New Delhi remains committed to supporting citizens in distress while urging the diaspora to contribute honestly to the US and maintain ties with India
Washington, Oct 2026 : Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has assured the Indian diaspora in the United States that India will continue to stand by its people wherever they face difficulties or distress around the world, saying the country is always “watching your back”.
Addressing members of the Indian community in the Chicago area, Goyal cited situations in Yemen and Ukraine as examples of crises in which India remained concerned about the safety and well-being of its people overseas.
“As you know that India is like one country and any Indian is in any difficulty, any distress, anywhere in the world. We back home are watching your back,” Goyal said.
“We care for you and you will always have us as a support whether you are in Yemen, at the peak of the crisis, whether you are in Ukraine, when the war breaks out,” he added.
The minister said there were several instances in which India had supported its people during challenging circumstances abroad. He emphasised that the country’s commitment extended not only to individuals but also to their families.
“Your nation, your motherland will always stand by you, will be there for you, for your families, for your children,” Goyal said.
His remarks came during his visit to the Chicago area, where he paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Sculpture in Skokie, Illinois, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
Goyal used the programme to highlight the relationship between the Indian diaspora and both India and the United States. He described Indian-Americans as an important link connecting the two countries and said members of the community had a role to play in strengthening bilateral ties.
“Each one of you are the living bridge between the United States and India. Each one of you is an ambassador of India to the United States,” he said.
While emphasising the community’s continuing connection with India, Goyal also urged Indian-Americans to contribute fully to the country in which they live.
He thanked members of the diaspora for their contributions to American society and called on them to serve the United States with honesty, loyalty and commitment.
“Be loyal to it, be honest to it, work hard for your nation,” Goyal said, referring to the United States. He noted that the country had provided many members of the community with opportunities to build their wealth, families and futures.
At the same time, the minister encouraged Indian-Americans not to lose their emotional and cultural connection with their country of origin.
“But always keep in your mind, in your heart, a little place for your mother and for all the people,” he said.
Goyal also reflected on Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and his emphasis on truth, non-violence and concern for society. He said Gandhi’s ideas had left a lasting influence in India and continued to inspire people around the world.
In a separate post on X following his visit to the memorial, Goyal said Gandhi’s principles remained relevant across generations.
“Mahatma Gandhi ji’s timeless ideals of non-violence, simplicity and truth, deeply rooted in India’s civilisational ethos, continue to guide and inspire humanity across generations,” he said.
Goyal’s Chicago programme also included a visit to Fullerton Hall at the Art Institute of Chicago. The venue is associated with Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in September 1893.
During his interaction with the diaspora, Goyal referred to the approximately 40 million people of Indian origin living across different parts of the world. He said India remained mindful of the global Indian community and its contributions.
He urged Indian-Americans to uphold values such as honesty and integrity while contributing to their adopted country, while also preserving their links with India.
Goyal’s remarks combined a message of support for Indians living overseas with an appeal to the diaspora to strengthen the relationship between India and the United States through their contributions, values and continued engagement with both countries.
