New Delhi: The Indian embassy in Paris has issued an advisory for Indian nationals in France and those planning to visit, urging them to stay alert and avoid large gatherings amid violent protests and clashes.
The embassy asked Indians to stay away from areas where demonstrations are taking place and to follow directions issued by French authorities.
France has seen some of its worst unrest in years. Protests over the rising cost of living, declining public services and concerns about education turned violent, with looting, arson and clashes with police reported in Paris, Marseille and Lyon, among other cities.
Curfews have been imposed in parts of the country as authorities try to restore order. The unrest has disrupted transport and public life in several cities.
The advisory follows the pattern of similar alerts issued by Indian missions during periods of instability abroad. Indian nationals in France have been asked to monitor local news and to contact the embassy if they need assistance.
The embassy's advisory is aimed at ensuring the safety of Indian students, professionals and travellers in the country during the ongoing disturbances.
France is home to a large Indian community, including students, professionals and researchers, and the embassy has also shared emergency contact numbers. Nationals have been asked to limit travel and avoid stepping out unnecessarily until the situation settles. Transport services have been disrupted in some cities, with airports and rail services also affected, according to reports. The embassy asked Indian nationals to follow local advisories and stay in touch with authorities.