Politicians, diplomats extend support to FS Vikram Misri after online trolls target him, his daughter

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has received widespread support from political leaders and diplomats after facing a wave of online abuse following his statement on Pakistan's violations of the recently agreed India-Pakistan ceasefire.

Misri, who has been serving as Foreign Secretary since 2024, addressed the media late Saturday night, stating that Pakistan had violated the ceasefire agreement just hours after it came into effect.

He affirmed that the Indian armed forces were responding to the violations and warned of firm action in case of further breaches.

Following his statement, Misri faced significant criticism on X (formerly Twitter), with several users attacking him for not taking a tough stance on the violations.

The online abuse escalated when users targeted Misri's daughter, Didon Misri, who is based in London and works at the global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. She was attacked for providing legal support to Rohingya refugees during her work.

Users dug up old posts and shared contact details of his family, and made inappropriate remarks about his daughter. In response, Misri made his X account private, which had been active since before he became Foreign Secretary.

Political leaders across party lines condemned the targeting of Misri and his family. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi defended the Foreign Secretary, stating, "Mr Vikram Misri is a decent and honest, hard-working diplomat who works tirelessly for our nation. Our civil servants work under the executive. This must be remembered, and they shouldn’t be blamed for the decisions taken by the executive or any political leadership."

Congress leader Sachin Pilot echoed similar sentiments, saying, "I condemn the social media trolling directed at the family of the Foreign Secretary. It’s unacceptable to target our professional diplomats and civil servants — those who work dedicatedly to serve the nation."

Additionally, former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao also took to social media to defend Misri. "It’s utterly shameful to troll Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement. A dedicated diplomat, Misri has served India with professionalism and resolve, and there is no ground whatsoever for his vilification. 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," Rao said.

"Vikram Misri started his career as a Management Trainee at Lintas in Bombay back in 1986. We were colleagues. I worked closely with him. He joined the IFS later. He is a super guy doing a fine job and is being targeted unfairly," Misri's former colleague Sanjeev Bikhchandani said.

Misri, a Foreign Service officer who joined in 1989, has previously served as India’s Ambassador to China and as Deputy National Security Adviser.