India has asked its citizens in France, Italy and Belgium to stay alert and keep away from protest sites as anti-government demonstrations over the rising cost of living turn violent in parts of Europe. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his regular media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, October 23, that Indian missions in the three countries are closely tracking the situation and staying in touch with the community.
The advisory is precautionary. It is not a recommendation against travel to Europe, but students, workers and tourists in the affected cities are being urged to plan their movements carefully.
What the MEA said
"We have our missions in France, Italy and Belgium, and they are closely following the developments there," Jaiswal said. "Indian nationals in these countries where protests are happening are advised to remain vigilant and exercise due caution."
He added that the embassies in France and Italy had already issued their own advisories, which Indians should follow, and said, "On our part, we remain committed to the welfare and safety of our nationals abroad."
The Embassy of India in Paris, in an advisory issued on October 21, referred to localised curfews in France and asked Indians to avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, follow instructions from French authorities and watch for public transport disruptions. The embassy in Rome had issued a similar advisory on October 19.
Why the Europe protests began
The unrest began in France in late September. What started as anger over poor school conditions and teacher shortages widened into a broader movement against rising living costs, high fuel and energy prices and proposed cuts to public services. Students, workers and trade unions have joined in, and much of the anger is directed at President Emmanuel Macron's government.
Nationwide protests in France on October 17 turned into rioting, looting and clashes with police in several cities. Reports said thousands of businesses were ransacked over a weekend, and the historic town hall in Limoges was badly damaged by fire. Major Paris attractions, including the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, were temporarily closed.
The protests have spread beyond France. Italy saw disturbances in Milan, Turin and Bologna, with hundreds of arrests reported in Milan, while Belgium has seen protests in Brussels and Liège. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni summed up her government's position by saying, "Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not." Housing-cost protests have also taken place in Spain and Portugal, largely peacefully.
India's advisory for Europe: key facts
| Countries covered | France, Italy, Belgium |
| Announced by | MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, October 23, 2026 |
| Nature of advisory | Precautionary; not a travel ban |
| Main advice | Stay vigilant, avoid protest areas, follow local authorities |
| Embassy of India, Paris | +33 6 48 34 00 63, cons.paris@mea.gov.in |
| Consulate General, Marseille | +33 7 43 16 25 59, cgo.marseille@mea.gov.in |
| Embassy of India, Rome | +39 331 614 2085 |
| Consulate General, Milan | +39 388 164 7527 |
What it means for Indians in Europe
France and Italy are home to large numbers of Indian students and professionals, and both are popular with Indian tourists, particularly in the autumn travel season. The immediate risks are not so much targeted threats as being caught up in a crowd, facing transport strikes or getting stuck in areas under curfew.
Practical safety tips
- Avoid demonstrations, even peaceful ones, as situations can turn quickly.
- Check transport updates before leaving home; metro, rail and bus services may be disrupted, and some stations have been temporarily closed.
- Follow local news and official channels, including the embassy's social media handles.
- Carry identification and keep copies of your passport and visa.
- Save embassy helpline numbers on your phone and share your location with family.
- Register with your local Indian mission if you are a student or long-term resident.
Tourists heading to Paris or Milan in the coming days should check whether museums and attractions on their list are open, and keep their plans flexible.
What happens next
The situation could remain tense for weeks. French authorities planned to deploy around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes on October 24, Italy plans to send additional soldiers, and unions have called general strikes in Spain on November 11 and in Italy on November 20. The MEA has said Indian missions will continue to monitor developments and update advisories as needed.
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