Piyush Goyal Honours Kerala Nurses for India-Germany Ties
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has highlighted the historic contribution of 6,000 nurses from Kerala in strengthening India-Germany relations, recalling their role in addressing West Germany’s healthcare workforce shortage during the 1960s.
Speaking about the enduring friendship between the two countries, Goyal said the nurses travelled to West Germany to work in hospitals and care homes, delivering outstanding patient care while supporting German families and building new lives in the country.
He emphasised that their contribution went far beyond healthcare, helping establish a strong foundation of mutual trust between India and Germany.
“The contribution of those 6,000 nurses can never be forgotten, can never be undermined,” Goyal said, underlining the lasting significance of their service in shaping bilateral relations.
According to the minister, the trust built through such people-to-people connections has grown over the decades into a strategic partnership between the two nations.
Goyal also highlighted the milestones in bilateral relations, noting that India and Germany celebrated 25 years of their strategic partnership in 2025. The two countries are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, reflecting a longstanding relationship built on cooperation, trust and shared interests.
The minister’s remarks underscore the important role played by Indian professionals, particularly Kerala’s nurses, in strengthening international ties and deepening the people-to-people relationship between India and Germany.