Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Gets Backing from Diplomats and Politicians Amid Social Media Trolling Over India-Pakistan Truce
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri became the target of online trolling following the May 10 ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan.
Both nations agreed to halt all military operations on land, sea, and air after four days of escalating missile and drone attacks.
The ceasefire was confirmed by Misri during a press briefing, stating that directors general of military operations from both sides had reached an understanding, with further talks scheduled for May 12.
Shortly after the announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump posted that the agreement was “mediated” by the U.S. Misri’s role in the announcement led to severe criticism from some social media users, including personal attacks on his family.
Politicians and Diplomats Defend Misri
The backlash prompted a wave of support from across the political and diplomatic spectrum. Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon Rao called the trolling “utterly shameful” and condemned the doxxing and abuse of Misri’s daughter.
“This toxic hate must stop,” she wrote on X, stressing that Misri had served India with “professionalism and resolve.”
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi also backed Misri, posting, “Mr Vikram Misri is a decent, honest, hard-working diplomat working tirelessly for our nation… they shouldn’t be blamed for the decisions taken by the Executive or any political leadership.”
Akhilesh Yadav Slams Government Inaction
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticized the abuse against Misri. Posting in Hindi on X, he said such behavior demoralizes officers dedicated to national service.
He accused the ruling BJP government of remaining silent and not protecting the dignity of the officer and his family. “It is the government’s responsibility to make decisions – not individual officers,” he wrote.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also defended Misri, calling him “an extremely hardworking and effective voice for India.”
He added that the diplomat and his fellow officers, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi, had handled the situation calmly and professionally.
Daughter Targeted, Account Locked
Misri was forced to restrict his X account after a section of users began targeting him with accusations of being “anti-India” and a “traitor.”
The trolling escalated when users began targeting his daughter, Didon Misri, who works at a global law firm in London. Old posts were shared, and personal contact details were leaked online, prompting outrage.
The National Commission for Women condemned the release of her private information, calling it a “serious breach of privacy” that endangered her safety.
Support From Civil Services and Bureaucracy
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association expressed solidarity with Misri and condemned the personal attacks. “We reaffirm our commitment to uphold the dignity of public service,” the association posted.
Other bureaucrats echoed this sentiment. V Srinivas, Secretary of Administrative Reforms, described Misri as “amongst India’s most celebrated Diplomats.” Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs, called Misri “an exemplary civil servant” and demanded that his family’s dignity be protected.
The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) Association also issued a statement denouncing the abuse and praising Misri’s service.
Misri’s Background and Experience
Vikram Misri became India’s 35th Foreign Secretary on July 15, 2024. Born in Srinagar on November 7, 1964, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1989. His career began on the Pakistan desk at the Ministry of External Affairs.
He has served as private secretary to three prime ministers—IK Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi.
From January 2022 to June 2024, he was deputy national security adviser, overseeing strategic matters. He also served as India’s ambassador to China during a period of high tension at the border.
Public Reaction and Social Media Debate
While many users criticized Misri for the ceasefire, others urged respect and restraint. Comedian Vir Das posted, “Vikram Misri was amazing, so were Colonel Sophiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Wyomika Singh.”
Several social media users demanded accountability for those spreading hate. “Action must be taken against the trolls who’ve doxxed & abused FS @VikramMisri’s daughter,” one post read. The Ministry of External Affairs has yet to make an official statement on the trolling.
As the dust settles after the ceasefire, the debate continues over the abuse faced by a top diplomat fulfilling his duty. The broad support for Misri underscores the consensus that personal attacks on civil servants have no place in public discourse.
