Why Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, his daughter got trolled, and how they got support

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has been leading India’s press briefings since Operation Sindoor was launched, along with Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.

Lately, however, he has become the target of heavy trolling on social media. Some users have even gone after his daughters, using abusive language.

Catch India-Pakistan ceasefire LIVE updates here .

Some users on social media have also spoken in his favour, urging others to keep the conversation respectful. Still, the diplomat was forced to lock his X account.

Now, several politicians, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, as well as other diplomats, have shown their support for Misri.

So why is he being targeted online? We explain that, and also what political leaders and diplomats have said in his defence.

Let’s find out:

Why Vikram Misri and daughter are being trolled

Vikram Misri and his daughter have faced a wave of online abuse, doxxing, and personal attacks after India reached a ceasefire understanding with Pakistan.

On May 10, India and Pakistan agreed to stop all military actions on land, in the air, and at sea with immediate effect.

This came after four days of continuous cross-border drone and missile attacks that had pushed the region close to a major conflict.

Announcing the development, Foreign Secretary Misri said that the directors 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.

Many war-mongers, who had been openly demanding a strong retaliation against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, were disappointed over the ceasefire agreement and directed their anger at him and his daughter.

The trolling escalated when users began targeting Vikram Misri’s daughter, Didon Misri, who lives in London and works at the global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills.

She was attacked over claims that she had offered legal help to Rohingya refugees as part of her work.

Some users shared her old social media posts, revealed personal contact details of Misri’s family, and posted offensive comments about his daughter.

He eventually locked his X account on Sunday. This action stops others from viewing or commenting on his posts.

The trolling has drawn strong criticism from civil society, politicians, and former diplomats. The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet made an official statement.

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IAS Association to Owaisi: Support pours in for Misri

Reacting to the trolling, the IAS Association posted on X, “The IAS Association stands in solidarity with Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, & 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.”

Though the account is not verified, it has been active since 2011 and is followed by many top government officers.

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi extended his support for Foreign Secretary Misri after he came under attack from online trolls.

Posting on X, Owaisi said, “Mr Vikram Misri is a decent and an 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."

The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) also issued a statement. It said, “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.”

Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon Rao, who retired in 2011, also shared a strong message on X.

She wrote, “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.”

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, in an interview with NDTV, condemned the trolling and praised Misri for how he handled one of the most difficult phases in India-Pakistan ties.

He said, “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?”

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav posted a long message on X in Hindi. He said such abuse lowers the morale of officers who serve the country with full commitment.

“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,” he wrote.

V Srinivas, Union Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances Secretary, wrote on X, “Amb Vikram Misri is amongst India’s most celebrated Diplomats, has always epitomised the best values of service above self and Nation First approach, I express my solidarity with him.”

Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs, wrote on X, “Highly regrettable that dedicated & sincere civil servants are targeted for performing their duties. Mr Vikram Misri is an exemplary civil servant & batchmate. His devotion to duty must be applauded & his family’s dignity must be defended."

Comedian Vir Das also posted his support online. He wrote, “Vikram Misri was amazing, so were Colonel Sophiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Wyomika Singh. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.”

While some trolled Misri, many users have also shown strong support for him on social media.

“Action must be taken against the trolls who’ve doxxed & abused FS @VikramMisri daughter. This sort of abuse has now crossed all limits," one user posted on X.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri’s journey

Vikram Misri took over as India’s 35th foreign secretary on July 15, 2024.

He was born on November 7, 1964, in Srinagar and spent his early years in Jammu and Kashmir.

He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1989 and began his career on the Pakistan desk at the Ministry of External Affairs.

Over the years, he served as private secretary to three prime ministers - IK Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi.

From January 2022 to June 2024, Misri held the role of deputy national security adviser, where he was involved in managing strategic matters.

With inputs from agencies