Indian Embassy in France Issues Safety Advisory Ahead of October 24 Protests
The Indian Embassy in France has issued a safety advisory ahead of October 24 protests amid violent clashes and localised curfews. President Emmanuel Macron and French authorities are preparing measures to prevent renewed unrest.
The embassy urged Indian citizens to avoid crowded places where demonstrations are taking place and follow instructions issued by French authorities. It also advised them to monitor local news, check official government updates and remain informed about disruptions to public transport.
In a statement posted on X, the Embassy of India 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."
The embassy also urged Indian nationals and travellers to check updates on the French government's website and the website of RATP, the Paris public transport operator. It shared emergency contact details for the Embassy of India in Paris and the Consulate General of India in Marseille.
Indian nationals can contact the Embassy of India in Paris at +33648340063 or email cons.paris@mea.gov.in.
The advisory comes as France prepares for another round of demonstrations on Saturday, October 24, following the October 17 riots, which caused widespread destruction and resulted in thousands of arrests, according to the Xinhua news agency.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that the government would use all available legal tools to prevent a recurrence of the violence. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists during a visit to Qatar, according to French television channel BFM TV.
Macron said declaring a state of emergency was not necessary at this stage, although the government could consider the measure later if required.
French authorities have imposed targeted curfews in several cities following the October 17 riots. Prime Minister G Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday that the measures had helped maintain calm overnight on Monday.
France's Interior Minister Laurent Nunez also said the government would deploy soldiers from the Army's Operation Sentinelle to help prevent violence during Saturday's demonstrations.
The unrest began in late September 2026 amid concerns over poor school conditions and teacher shortages. The movement subsequently expanded into nationwide anti-government demonstrations, fuelled by rising living costs, high fuel prices, public sector budget cuts and discontent with Macron's administration.
While most youth-led demonstrations have remained peaceful, violence has broken out on the sidelines of protests in several European countries, including France, Spain and Albania.
With further demonstrations scheduled for October 24, the Indian embassy's advisory highlights the need for Indian nationals in France to exercise caution, monitor official updates and follow local authorities' instructions amid continuing unrest and targeted curfews.

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