The Embassy of India in France has issued a fresh safety advisory for Indian nationals residing in or visiting the country, calling on them to exercise caution amid continuing demonstrations, isolated violent incidents, and temporary curfews in certain areas. The advisory urges people to steer clear of locations hosting protests and to comply with directions from French authorities.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the embassy said, “In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities.”
It further recommended that Indians keep track of local media reports, official government announcements, and possible disruptions to public transport. Travellers were specifically advised to consult the French government’s website and the Paris transport operator RATP for real-time updates.
For emergencies, the embassy provided contact details: the Embassy of India in Paris can be reached at +33 6 48 34 00 63 or by email at cons.paris@mea.gov.in, while the Consulate General of India in Marseille is available at +33 7 43 16 25 59 or go.marseille@mea.gov.in.
The advisory comes as France braces for another wave of demonstrations planned for Saturday, October 24. This follows violent unrest on October 17 that resulted in significant property damage and thousands of arrests, according to reports by Xinhua news agency.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Wednesday that authorities would deploy every available legal measure to stop a repeat of the recent violence.
Speaking to reporters while on a visit to Qatar, as reported by BFM TV, Macron indicated that a state of emergency was not required at present, though the option remains open if the situation deteriorates.
Targeted curfews have already been enforced in multiple cities in the aftermath of the October 17 clashes. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu noted on Tuesday that these restrictions contributed to maintaining order overnight.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez added that soldiers from the Army’s Operation Sentinelle would be deployed to support security efforts during Saturday’s planned protests.
The current wave of discontent originated in late September 2026, initially centred on inadequate school facilities and shortages of teachers. It has since grown into broader nationwide demonstrations against the government, fuelled by rising living costs, elevated fuel prices, cuts to public spending, and dissatisfaction with Macron’s policies. Although the majority of youth-led rallies have remained peaceful, incidents of violence have occurred on the fringes of protests in France as well as in other European countries such as Spain and Albania.