Indian Embassy issues safety advisory for nationals in France amid curfews, unrest

The Indian embassy advised citizens in France to avoid protest sites and remain vigilant. The alert comes as authorities tighten security before fresh nationwide demonstrations.The protests began in mid-September when high school students and teachers in Paris’ suburbs demanded action on overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages. (Credits: Reuters)New Delhi,Oct 22, 2026 07:43 ISTThe Embassy of India in Paris has issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals living in or travelling to France amid ongoing unrest, localised curfews and fresh demonstrations expected across the country.The embassy urged Indian citizens to remain vigilant, avoid protest sites and large gatherings, and follow instructions issued by French authorities.It also advised them to monitor official updates and check for possible public transport disruptions in affected cities.“In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution,” the embassy said in its advisory. It asked citizens to avoid crowded places where protests were taking place and follow local authorities’ instructions. (Credits: X/India in France) The embassy also urged Indians to stay informed through local news and official channels, including the French government website, gouvernement.fr, and Paris public transport operator RATP’s website, ratp.fr.The Embassy of India in Paris and the Consulate General of India in Marseille have also shared dedicated helpline contacts for citizens requiring emergency assistance.FRANCE STEPS UP SECURITY AHEAD OF FRESH PROTESTS The advisory comes as French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has promised a “massive” police deployment ahead of fresh demonstrations scheduled for October 24.The government has extended curfews in some areas and tightened security following days of unrest linked to protests over rising living costs and deteriorating school conditions.According to CBS News, Interior Minister Laurent Nuez acknowledged that authorities had underestimated the unrest and lost control in some cities during Saturday’s demonstrations.Justice Minister Grald Darmanin said more than 2,500 people had been taken into police custody by Monday evening. The violence included the burning of a historic town hall in Limoges, as well as looting and damage to businesses.Overnight curfews were imposed around Paris’ Place de la Rpublique and the Les Halles shopping district. Similar restrictions were introduced in Lyon and other cities.Authorities extended the measures after Paris and Lyon reported no major incidents on Monday night.President Emmanuel Macron, in an address on Sunday, distinguished peaceful demonstrators from those involved in rioting and looting. He said the government would listen to protesters’ concerns while ensuring that those responsible for violence faced legal consequences. (Credits: Reuters) PROTESTS OVER SCHOOL CONDITIONS, COST OF LIVINGThe protests began in mid-September when high school students and teachers in Paris’ suburbs demanded action on overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school buildings and teacher shortages.The movement subsequently expanded to include trade unions and Yellow Vest activists, becoming a nationwide campaign against rising living costs and declining public services. (Credits: Reuters) The government has announced plans to deploy more than 3,000 substitute teachers to schools most in need and authorised several hundred additional hires. However, financial pressures and political divisions have complicated efforts to introduce broader reforms.France’s public debt stood at nearly 3.6 trillion euros at the end of June, equivalent to 119% of its annual economic output, CBS News reported. The government expects the fiscal deficit to reach 5.4% of economic output this year and aims to reduce it to 5% in 2027.Macron’s allies also lack a majority in parliament, making it difficult for the government to secure support for major policy measures.The Indian embassy’s advisory asks Indian nationals to follow official instructions and monitor developments as France prepares for further demonstrations and maintains heightened security measures.- Ends