India alerts nationals in France as protests trigger curfews and clashes

India has advised its nationals in France to avoid protest sites and monitor official updates. The warning reflects heightened risks from continuing unrest, curfews and planned strikes.

In Short

• Student demonstrations over underfunded schools expanded into broader nationwide unrest
• Inflation, living costs and public service concerns fuelled wider mobilisation
• More than 2,400 people were arrested during the weekend violence

India has advised its nationals living in or travelling to France to remain vigilant and exercise caution amid continuing unrest, violent clashes and localised curfews in parts of the country, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

The Embassy of India in France has urged Indian nationals to avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and to follow instructions issued by local authorities.

In its advisory issued on Wednesday, the embassy said: "In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution."

France has witnessed widespread protests and riots that began with student demonstrations over conditions in high schools and later grew into nationwide protests over inflation, the cost of living and concerns about public services. The unrest has included looting, arson and clashes between demonstrators and the police.

According to PTI, the Indian mission asked nationals to follow local news reports and official updates on the French government's website, gouvernement.fr. They were also advised to check public transport updates on the website of RATP, the state-owned operator serving the Paris region.

In an emergency, Indian nationals can contact the Embassy of India in Paris or the Consulate General of India in Marseille, the advisory said.

The protests began in late September over underfunded and overcrowded schools. Violence broke out on the sidelines of demonstrations on October 17, prompting authorities to impose localised curfews in parts of Paris and other cities, including Lille, Lyon and Nice. Marseille also imposed restrictions on gatherings and demonstrations.

Media reports said more than 2,400 people were arrested during the weekend unrest, while nearly 1,000 police officers were injured. President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to prevent a repeat of the violence as protest groups prepare for further demonstrations.

France's main student union and the Yellow Vest movement, whose protests over fuel prices shook the country in 2018 and 2019, have called for rallies on Saturday. Trade unions have also announced a strike on November 5 over the cost of living and cuts to public services.

Amid plans for further protests and strikes, India has asked its nationals in France to remain cautious, avoid protest sites, monitor official updates and contact its diplomatic missions in an emergency.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends