change.patch

diff --git a/operator/data/profiles/remote.yaml b/operator/data/profiles/remote.yaml
index dfb1d0f72..2e432ecfd 100644
--- a/operator/data/profiles/remote.yaml
+++ b/operator/data/profiles/remote.yaml
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ kind: IstioOperator
 spec:
   components:
     pilot:
-      enabled: false
+      enabled: true  # pilot is the component for istiod
     policy:
       enabled: false
     telemetry:
@@ -33,3 +33,5 @@ spec:
       istioRemote: true
       enableTracing: false
       network: ""
+      istiod:
+        enabled: true