INDIA WARNS CITIZENS IN FRANCE AS ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS ESCALATE INTO CLASHES, LOOTING AND CURFEWS
October 22, 2026
PARIS, OCTOBER 22: The Embassy of India in Paris has issued a safety advisory urging Indian nationals living in or travelling to France to remain vigilant amid widespread protests, violent clashes and localised curfews in several parts of the country.
In its advisory issued on Wednesday, the Indian mission asked citizens to avoid protest sites, large gatherings and crowded places where demonstrations are taking place. It also urged them to exercise caution and comply with instructions issued by local authorities.
The advisory comes as France faces growing public unrest that began with student demonstrations over poor conditions in high schools before expanding into broader protests against inflation, rising living costs and concerns about public services.
The demonstrations have been accompanied by incidents of looting, arson and clashes between protesters and police. Authorities have imposed localised curfews in parts of Paris and other cities, including Lille, Lyon and Nice. Marseille has also introduced restrictions on gatherings and demonstrations.
SCHOOL CONDITIONS AND RISING LIVING COSTS FUEL UNREST
The protests initially emerged in late September over underfunded and overcrowded schools. Demonstrators demanded action to ease classroom congestion, repair deteriorating school buildings and fill vacant teaching positions.
The movement subsequently widened as economic pressures and dissatisfaction with public services fuelled wider anti-government anger. Rising inflation and the increasing cost of everyday necessities have added to public frustration.
Violence broke out on the sidelines of demonstrations on October 17, prompting authorities to introduce restrictions in several locations. Media reports cited in the coverage said more than 2,400 people had been arrested during the weekend unrest, while nearly 1,000 police officers were injured.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on October 18 that his government would listen to protesters’ concerns but warned that those responsible for violence would face legal action. He has also pledged to prevent a recurrence of the disorder.
FRESH DEMONSTRATIONS EXPECTED AS SECURITY IS TIGHTENED
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has ordered the deployment of a large police force ahead of further protests scheduled for October 24.
France’s main student union and the Yellow Vest movement have called for rallies on Saturday. The Yellow Vest movement previously led major demonstrations over fuel prices in 2018 and 2019.
Trade unions have also announced a strike for November 5 over the cost of living and reductions in public services, indicating that the unrest could continue in the coming weeks.
The Indian embassy has advised nationals to monitor local news reports and official updates from the French government through gouvernement.fr. Travellers in the Paris region have also been urged to check public transport updates through the RATP website.
Indian citizens requiring emergency assistance have been advised to contact the Embassy of India in Paris or the Consulate General of India in Marseille.
The advisory reflects concerns over the changing security situation as French authorities prepare for further demonstrations and attempt to contain the violence. Indian nationals have been urged to remain alert, avoid affected areas and follow official instructions while the unrest continues.
