Misri targeted over the ceasefire announcement; widespread support from diplomats, leaders, and the women’s commission
New Delhi, May 12 – A strong wave of condemnation has emerged from veteran diplomats, political leaders, and the National Commission for Women (NCW) against the online trolling of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family, following the recent ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan.The Delhi-based Association of Indian Diplomats termed the trolling and doxxing of Misri and his family as “appalling and completely unacceptable”, calling for strict action against the culprits. “He is an outstanding professional with an impeccable record,” the association stated in a public release.
The NCW, led by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, strongly criticized the circulation of Misri's daughter's contact details on social media. Calling it a “grossly irresponsible act”, Rahatkar emphasized that targeting family members of senior civil servants is “morally indefensible”. The Commission urged restraint and responsible conduct in both online and offline spaces.
Political Support for Misri
On Sunday, prominent political figures Asaduddin Owaisi, Akhilesh Yadav, and former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon Rao publicly voiced their support for Misri.SP chief Akhilesh Yadav wrote a detailed post on X, highlighting how such trolling demoralizes sincere officers. He accused the BJP government of inaction and urged protection for officers like Misri. “It is the government’s responsibility to make decisions, not individual officers’,” he added.
Nirupama Rao, in a post, said, “Doxxing his daughter and abusing his loved ones crosses every line of decency. This toxic hate must stop. Stand united behind our diplomats, not tear them down.”
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi also lent his voice, stating, “Mr Vikram Misri is a decent, honest, hard-working diplomat working tirelessly for our nation. Civil servants must not be blamed for executive decisions.”
Background of the Controversy
The backlash against Misri followed the May 10 announcement that India and Pakistan had agreed to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea. This development came after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes, pushing the two nuclear-armed nations to the brink of war.Foreign Secretary Misri, who assumed office on July 15, 2024, played a key role in communicating the ceasefire agreement. He announced that the director generals of military operations from both sides had agreed on the understanding during a phone call, with the next round of talks scheduled for May 12.
Soon after the announcement, US President Donald Trump posted on social media, claiming the talks had been “mediated” by the United States, adding fuel to public discourse.
Profile of Vikram Misri
Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has held several high-profile positions in the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, and Indian missions across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. Notably, he has worked on the Pakistan desk of the MEA and served under former foreign ministers I K Gujral and Pranab Mukherjee.In recent days, Misri has been at the forefront of press briefings related to Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire negotiations.
As support continues to pour in for Misri and his family, the message from institutions, leaders, and the diplomatic community is unified: uphold dignity, respect boundaries, and protect those who serve the nation with integrity.