In a shocking development, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri faced severe trolling on social media after he announced the news of India and Pakistan agreeing to a ceasefire of military operations on May 10.

So much hatred and negativity started pouring in that his X (formerly Twitter) account had to be set on protected mode the following day (May 11) in order to disable public comments on his posts or even allow netizens to view his latest posts.

Why Vikram Misri was trolled?

Following the past few weeks of escalating tension between India and Pakistan, Vikram Misri announced the news of the two countries agreeing to a ceasefire on the evening of May 10. In his social media post, the Foreign Secretary said that the director general of military operations from both countries had spoken over a call on Saturday afternoon, and the next round of talks would take place at 12 noon on Monday.

This did not go down well with a section of netizens who expected India would retaliate to Pakistan’s repeated missile and drone attacks with a war. The warmongers poured hatred not only for Misri but also for his daughter, who lives in London and works at the global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills.

Prominent personalities, including politicians and former diplomats came out in support of Misri, condemning the personal attacks targeted not just at him but also at his family. The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet shared an official statement on the matter.

Support pours in for Vikram Misri after trolling

In response to the barrage of trolling, the IAS Association came out in solidarity with the senior diplomat to protest against the “unwarranted personal attacks” targeting him. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association posted on X that it stands in solidarity with Misri and his family.

“Unwarranted personal attacks on civil servants performing their duties with integrity are deeply regrettable. We reaffirm our commitment to uphold the dignity of public service,” the Association posted on X.

“Unequivocally condemn the deplorable personal attacks against Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and his family. Such unwarranted assaults on civil servants committed to their duties are absolutely intolerable,” the Indian Police Service (IPS) Association mentioned on X.

“The IRTS Association strongly condemns unwarranted abuse and personal attacks against Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and his family. We urge everyone to maintain respect and decorum, acknowledging his dedicated service and significant contributions towards the nation,” read an X post by the Indian Railway Traffic Service Association.

Misri has done an outstanding job: Shashi Tharoor

“I think young Vikram Misri has done an outstanding job. He has worked very hard, very long hours, and is an extremely hardworking and effective voice for India. I can’t understand who on earth would troll and why? What could they be critical of, and what could these people have done differently or better?” Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said in an interview, praising the Foreign Secretary’s commitment and professionalism.

Unnaceptable: Sachin Pilot

“It’s unacceptable to target our professional diplomats and civil servants — those who work dedicatedly to serve the nation,” Congress leader Sachin Pilot wrote on X.

Civil Servants shouldn’t be blamed for decisions taken by political leadership: Owaisi

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said, “Mr Vikram Misri is a decent, honest, hard-working diplomat working tirelessly for our nation. Our civil servants work under the executive this must be remembered & they shouldn’t be blamed for the decisions taken by the executive or any political leadership running Watan E Aziz.”

Government’s responsibility to make decisions: Akhilesh Yadav

“It is the government’s responsibility to make decisions – not individual officers. Some anti-social criminal elements are openly crossing all limits of abusive language against the officer and his family, but neither the BJP government nor any of its ministers are coming forward to protect his honour and respect or discussing possible action against those who make such unwanted posts,” Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav wrote on X.

Others who supported Misri

“Now they are going after Vikram Misri, as if he alone decided on a unilateral ceasefire, not Modi, Shah, Rajnath or Jaishankar,” the Kerala Congress party posted on X.

 Former Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Suri posted on X, “Trolls targeting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family – it is disgraceful. He is professional, composed and clear-spoken.”

Foreign policy analyst Indrani Bagchi said, “Misri is a respected diplomat leading the Foreign Ministry. Trolling his family just because you were playing a fictional India-Pakistan video game in your head is not just vile – it reflects a mindset this country can do without.”

Veteran journalist Vir Sanghvi wrote, “Those trolling Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who has done an outstanding job during this crisis, are human garbage.”

Who is Vikram Misri?

Vikram Misri took charge as India’s Foreign Secretary on July 15, 2024. A 1989 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, he has held several diplomatic assignments in Europe, Asia and North America.

He has worked on the Pakistan desk at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and served on the teams of former External Affairs Ministers I.K. Gujral and Pranab Mukherjee. Misri has also been a joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office and served as private secretary to three prime ministers – I.K. Gujral, Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi.

Born in Srinagar, Misri holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Hindu College, Delhi University and an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. Before joining the civil services, he worked in advertising and film production.