India Issues Safety Advisory for Nationals in France, Italy and Belgium Amid Protests
NEW DELHI — India has urged its citizens in France, Italy and Belgium to remain vigilant, avoid protest areas and follow local safety advisories as demonstrations continue across parts of Europe.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Friday that Indian diplomatic missions in the three countries are closely monitoring developments and maintaining regular contact with Indian communities.
“We have our missions in France, Italy and Belgium. They are closely following the developments there. They are in regular touch with the community members. Indian nationals in these countries where protests are happening are advised to remain vigilant and exercise due caution when they are moving out and also to avoid areas where protests are happening. They must also follow local advisories which are being issued by the government,” Jaiswal said during a media briefing in New Delhi.
The Indian government has also directed citizens to pay attention to safety notices issued by its embassies, particularly in France and Italy, where diplomatic officials have released specific guidance.
“Our Embassies in France and in Italy have also issued advisories for our nationals and they must follow those advisories. On our part, we remain committed to the welfare and safety of our nationals abroad,” Jaiswal added.
The warning follows an advisory issued Wednesday by the Indian Embassy in France after demonstrations over rising living costs and public sector concerns escalated into violent clashes.
The protests began in late September amid dissatisfaction over deteriorating conditions in schools and shortages of teachers. They subsequently expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations fueled by rising fuel prices, the cost of living and cuts to public spending.
Demonstrators have also criticized the administration of French President Emmanuel Macron over its handling of economic pressures and public services.
Amid the unrest, some areas of France have experienced localized curfews, prompting Indian diplomatic officials to advise travelers and residents to take additional precautions.
“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 Indian Embassy in France said in a statement posted on X.
Indian authorities have emphasized that citizens should avoid large gatherings, monitor local developments and comply with instructions from law enforcement and government agencies.
The Foreign Ministry said its diplomatic missions would continue monitoring the situation and providing assistance to Indian nationals as needed. (Source: IANS)
