India Issues Urgent Shelter-in-Place Advisory for Citizens in Mexico Amid Widespread Violence
The Embassy of India in Mexico has issued a critical advisory, urging all Indian nationals residing in or visiting several Mexican states to immediately shelter in place until further notice. This urgent directive comes in response to escalating violence, widespread road blockages, and significant flight disruptions across the country following a major military operation that resulted in the death of a powerful cartel leader.
Embassy's Detailed Advisory and Safety Instructions
In a formal post on the social media platform X, dated Monday, February 23, 2026, the Indian Embassy explicitly addressed the situation. The advisory stated, "Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico: There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity. Indian nationals in Jalisco State, including areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara; Tamaulipas State, covering Reynosa and other municipalities; as well as areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place until further notice."
The embassy provided comprehensive safety guidelines for Indian citizens, emphasizing the need for extreme caution. Key instructions include:
- Avoid all areas where law enforcement activity is occurring.
- Maintain constant awareness of your immediate surroundings.
- Minimize any unnecessary movement and travel.
- Steer clear of large crowds and gatherings.
- Monitor local media outlets closely for real-time updates.
- Strictly comply with all directions issued by local Mexican authorities.
For emergencies, citizens are advised to dial 911 immediately. The embassy also shared its dedicated emergency contact number: +52 55 4847 7539 for direct assistance.
Trigger Event: Military Operation Kills Notorious Cartel Leader
This advisory was prompted by a significant security development. Mexican authorities confirmed that Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed on Sunday during a large-scale, military-led operation. Security forces from multiple federal branches executed the operation in Tapalpa, a town located in the western state of Jalisco.
According to official reports from Mexico's Secretariat of National Defence, cartel members engaged in a fierce firefight with security forces during the raid. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of four gang members at the scene. El Mencho, a former police officer, had been at the helm of the CJNG as it expanded into one of Mexico's most dominant and violent criminal organizations, a fact corroborated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Widespread Violence and Disruption Across Multiple States
In the immediate aftermath of the operation, violent incidents erupted across Jalisco and quickly spread to neighboring states, including Michoacan and Guanajuato. Suspected members of organized crime groups were reported to have set buses ablaze, erected numerous roadblocks using vehicles and debris, and clashed directly with law enforcement authorities.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro publicly urged all residents to remain indoors for their safety. He confirmed the suspension of all public transportation services in Jalisco "until the situation is under control." Governor Navarro further warned that the unrest had spread to at least five different states and strongly advised people to avoid any travel on highways.
The timing of this crisis has drawn particular international attention, as Jalisco is scheduled to host four matches of the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, raising concerns about security preparations for the global event.
International Response and Broader Advisories
The escalating tensions have prompted responses from other nations as well. Following the Indian advisory, the United States Department of State and the Canadian government issued similar warnings to their citizens residing in or traveling through the affected areas. These advisories also instructed people to shelter in place due to the prevailing violence, extensive road blockages, and numerous canceled flights.
Security operations remain active and ongoing in several regions as authorities continue to monitor the volatile situation closely. For Indian nationals in Mexico, officials have reiterated the paramount importance of exercising extreme caution, severely limiting all movement, and diligently following official updates until stability is restored.
