India has advised its citizens in protest-hit European countries to remain vigilant and avoid demonstration areas. The warning underscores growing safety concerns as missions monitor unrest and support Indian communities.France is witnessing its most violent unrest in years. (Reuters Photo) India on Friday advised its citizens in France, Italy and other European countries affected by a wave of violent protests to remain vigilant and exercise caution while travelling.Large demonstrations have taken place across parts of Europe in recent days, largely over the rising cost of living.

Protests in France turned violent last week.According to media reports, some protesters set fire to a historic town hall in the French city of Limoges and damaged public property and shops.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told news agency PTI that Indian missions in France, Italy and Belgium were closely monitoring the developments and remained in regular contact with members of the Indian community. Responding to a question about the well-being of Indian citizens in the affected countries, Jaiswal said they had been “advised to remain vigilant, and exercise due caution when they're moving out and also to avoid areas where protests are happening”.He also asked Indian citizens to follow advisories issued by the respective local governments. “Our embassies in France and Italy have also issued advisories for our nationals, which they must follow.

On our part, we remain committed to the welfare and safety of all our nationals abroad,” Jaiswal said.Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Paris on Thursday after a weekend of clashes and widespread looting that marked France's most violent unrest in years.Indian missions are monitoring the situation and have urged citizens to remain cautious, avoid protest-hit areas and follow local and embassy advisories.- Ends