London: Amid continuing unrest in France, the Embassy of India in Paris has issued a safety advisory urging Indian nationals and those travelling to the country to remain vigilant and exercise caution.
Advising citizens to stay away from protest sites and public demonstrations, the Embassy stated, "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 advisory comes as France grapples with widespread protests and riots, triggered by student demonstrations over high school conditions and expanding into mass anti-government anger over inflation and living costs. The unrest has been marked by incidents of looting, arson and clashes between demonstrators and police.
The Indian mission asked nationals to stay informed through local news reports and official updates on the French government's website, gouvernement.fr.
They are also advised to check public transport updates on the website of RATP, the state-owned public transport operator serving the Paris region.
"Please also stay informed through local news, follow official updates (gouvernement.fr) and check for public transport disruptions (ratp.fr)," the advisory read.
In case of an emergency, Indian nationals can contact the Embassy of India in Paris or the Consulate General of India in Marseille, the advisory said.
The protests, which began in late September over underfunded and overcrowded schools, have since swelled into massive nationwide marches over inflation, the cost of living and concerns over public services.
Violence erupted on the sidelines of demonstrations on October 17, prompting authorities to impose localised curfews in parts of Paris and other cities, including Lille, Lyon and Nice. Marseille also imposed restrictions on gatherings and demonstrations.
According to media reports, more than 2,400 people were arrested during the weekend unrest, while nearly 1,000 police officers were injured.
President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to prevent a recurrence of the violence as protest groups prepare further demonstrations.
France's main student union and the 'Yellow Vest' movement, a grassroots protest movement whose agitations over fuel prices shook the country in 2018 and 2019, have called for rallies on Saturday.
Trade unions have also announced a strike on November 5 over the cost of living and cuts to public services.
The government has announced plans to deploy more than 3,000 substitute teachers to schools most in need and authorised several hundred additional hires. However, financial pressures and political divisions have complicated efforts to introduce wider reforms.
France's public debt stood at nearly €3.6 trillion at the end of June, equivalent to 119 per cent of its annual economic output, CBS News reported.
The government expects the fiscal deficit to reach 5.4 per cent of economic output this year and aims to reduce it to 5 per cent in 2027.
Macron's allies also lack a majority in parliament, making it difficult to secure support for major policy measures.
(With inputs from PTI & ANI)