MEA advises Indians in France, Italy to follow Embassy advisories amid protests
Synopsis
With protests over cost-of-living pressures turning violent in France and Italy, the MEA has stepped in to formally advise the Indian diaspora — including students — to stay away from demonstration sites and follow Embassy and local authority guidance. Both Indian Embassies have already issued formal advisories, with Italy's unrest prompting curfews and a railway station closure in Bologna.
Key Takeaways
The MEA on 3 November 2026 advised Indian nationals in France and Italy to follow Embassy and local authority advisories amid ongoing protests.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the advisories at the weekly media briefing in New Delhi .
Protests in France over rising cost of living escalated into violent clashes, leading to localised curfews and transport disruptions.
Clashes in Italy spread across several cities; Italian PM Giorgia Meloni confirmed officers were injured in Milan and Bologna's railway station was temporarily closed.
Both the Indian Embassy in France and the Embassy of India in Rome issued formal advisories via posts on X .
Indian nationals and students have been advised to avoid large gatherings, monitor local news, and contact their embassies if needed.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday, 3 November 2026 advised Indian nationals in France and Italy, including students, to follow safety advisories issued by Indian embassies and local authorities amid ongoing protests and civil unrest in both European countries.
What the MEA Said
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, confirmed that the embassies in both countries had already issued formal advisories. 'Regarding the disturbances and ongoing protests in Europe, our Embassies in France and Italy have issued advisories,' Jaiswal said. He added that Indian nationals, including students, had been specifically asked to comply with both embassy guidance and instructions from local law enforcement.
Situation in France
The Indian Embassy in France issued a travel and safety advisory following protests triggered by the rising cost of living, which escalated into violent clashes. The Embassy urged Indian nationals and travellers to remain alert, particularly in crowded areas and locations where demonstrations were taking place. According to the advisory, the unrest had led to localised curfews and potential disruptions to road travel and public transport. In a post on X, the Embassy asked Indian nationals to avoid large gatherings, follow instructions from French authorities, and check with airlines or travel agencies for any schedule changes.
Situation in Italy
The Embassy of India in Rome separately issued an advisory for Indian nationals across Italy, stating: 'We advise Indian nationals to exercise caution, avoid crowded areas and locations where protests are taking place and follow local news about such events.' The advisory came after clashes broke out in several Italian cities. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed that stones were thrown at law enforcement personnel in Milan, leaving officers injured. In Bologna, the disorder prompted the precautionary closure of the railway station.
Background and Context
The protests across France and Italy reflect a broader wave of civil discontent in parts of Europe, driven largely by cost-of-living pressures and economic grievances. Notably, large Indian diaspora communities and a significant number of Indian students are based in both countries, making the Embassy advisories particularly relevant for families in India with relatives abroad. This is not the first time the MEA has stepped in to issue protective guidance — similar advisories have been issued during unrest in other parts of the world, including during conflicts in the Middle East and the Ukraine war.
What Indians Abroad Should Do
The MEA has asked Indian nationals in France and Italy to stay updated through official embassy channels, avoid protest sites and large public gatherings, monitor local news, and contact their respective embassies in case of emergencies. Updated advisories are expected to be issued as the situation evolves on the ground.
Point of View
But its explicit mention of students signals how significant the Indian presence in France and Italy has become — these are not fringe communities. What merits scrutiny is the speed and reach of the Embassy communication: issuing advisories via X is effective for digitally connected adults but may miss older residents or students without active social media access. As cost-of-living protests become a recurring feature across Europe, India may need a more proactive consular outreach model rather than reactive advisories after violence has already broken out.
NationPress
3 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the MEA issued an advisory for Indians in France and Italy?
The MEA issued the advisory on 3 November 2026 because ongoing protests over the rising cost of living in France and Italy have turned violent, disrupting public transport and leading to localised curfews. Indian nationals, including students, were advised to stay alert and follow Embassy and local authority guidance.
What should Indian nationals in France do right now?
The Indian Embassy in France has asked nationals to avoid large gatherings and crowded areas, follow instructions from French authorities, and check with airlines or travel agencies for any changes to schedules due to transport disruptions.
What has happened in Italy that prompted the advisory?
Clashes broke out in several Italian cities, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirming that stones were thrown at law enforcement in Milan and officers were injured. In Bologna, the unrest led to the precautionary closure of the railway station.
Who issued the advisories and how can Indians access them?
The Indian Embassy in France and the Embassy of India in Rome each issued formal advisories, which were posted on their respective X (formerly Twitter) accounts. Indians can also contact their nearest Indian embassy or consulate for up-to-date guidance.
Are Indian students specifically covered by these advisories?
Yes. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal specifically mentioned students as a group covered by the advisory, urging them to follow the embassies' instructions alongside other Indian residents in France and Italy.
