Indian Embassy warns nationals amid unrest in France

The Indian Embassy in Paris has advised Indian nationals living in or travelling to France to avoid protest gatherings and follow local authorities’ instructions amid unrest and localised curfews. The advisory urges people to remain vigilant, monitor local news and official updates, and check for public-transport disruptions. It also tells them to comply with French authorities’ safety guidance. The embassy provided emergency contact details for its Paris mission and the Consulate General of India in Marseille. The warning followed demonstrations on October 17 that reportedly escalated into looting, arson and clashes with police in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other areas. Protests had been driven by concerns including rising living costs, school conditions and public services. French authorities imposed targeted curfews in some locations after the violence. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said more than 2,500 people were taken into custody following the unrest. Reports also said hundreds of suspects had been referred for prosecution. The custody figure is an account attributed to the minister; the full extent of damage and the eventual prosecution total were not established in...