PolicyDiplomacy
Indian embassy in Paris tells Indians in France to stay vigilant as protests turn violent
The advisory asks Indian nationals and travellers to avoid crowds, follow French authorities and check with airlines, with fresh demonstrations planned for Saturday.
Key points
- The Embassy of India in Paris issued a safety advisory on Wednesday for Indians in France.
- It asks people to avoid large gatherings and expect transport disruption and local curfews.
- New demonstrations are planned for 24 October, with soldiers due to help secure them.
The Embassy of India in Paris on Wednesday asked Indian nationals and travellers in France to remain vigilant, after protests over the cost of living turned violent in several parts of the country.
The advisory tells Indians to avoid large gatherings and crowded places, follow instructions from French authorities, and check for disruptions before using public transport. Some areas are under local curfews, and road and public transport services may be delayed or cut back. Travellers are asked to stay in direct touch with their airlines or travel agents for any change in schedules.
Indians who need help can call the embassy in Paris on +33 6 48 34 00 63 or the Consulate General in Marseille on +33 7 43 16 25 59.
Weeks of unrest
The protests began in late September over poor conditions in schools and a shortage of teachers. They have since grown into nationwide anti-government demonstrations driven by high living costs, fuel prices and cuts to public sector budgets.
Rioting on 17 October left widespread damage and led to thousands of arrests. President Emmanuel Macron has said the government will use every legal tool available to stop further violence. He has said a state of emergency is not needed for now but could be declared later.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has said soldiers from Operation Sentinelle, France’s domestic security deployment, will help secure the next round of demonstrations, planned for Saturday, 24 October.