In an alarming trend that promises to corrode public service integrity, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has faced intense and unreasonable vitriol in the wake of his announcement of the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement. The agreement, which prevented further escalation after four days of unabated cross-border missile and drone attacks, was welcomed across the globe. But, at home, Misri has been harassed with unwarranted trolling, varying from hateful remarks to doxxing his family members.
Political and Diplomatic Support Increases to Vikram Misri
Top Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was one of the first to denounce the attacks as “preposterous.” In an NDTV exclusive interview, Tharoor stated, “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, along with the two women officers [Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi] who spoke very calmly and professionally without any hysteria in a wonderfully impressive way.”
Tharoor questioned the motives behind the trolling and emphasized the professionalism with which Misri and his colleagues handled one of the most volatile diplomatic moments in recent history.
Role of Vikram Misri in Defusing a Crisis
On May 10, Foreign Secretary Misri revealed that India and Pakistan had decided to suspend all military hostilities on land, air, and sea. This was after an important discussion between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries. Misri assured that further talks would be held, with the second round of talks to be held on May 12.
But one Facebook post by US President Donald Trump, stating that Washington had brokered the truce, cast a shadow of doubt. While the Ministry of External Affairs remained silent, trolls pounced on the opportunity to unfairly blame Misri for diplomatic weakness.
Civil Services Rally Behind Misri
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association released a stern statement, stating, “The IRTS Association strongly condemns unwarranted abuse and personal attacks against Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and his family.” The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) also added, “We urge everyone to maintain respect and decorum, acknowledging his dedicated service and significant contributions towards the nation.”
This solidarity was seconded by AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, who reminded people that “civil servants work under the executive” and cannot be held responsible for its actions. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also condemned the hate, cautioning that such attacks could demoralize sincere officers. “It is the government’s duty to take decisions – not individual officers,” he said.
A Dangerous Precedent
The silence of the BJP ruling government on the issue has also raised more eyebrows. As Yadav said, “Neither the BJP government nor its ministers are stepping forward to save his honour and respect, nor holding discussions on possible action against those who make such unwanted posts.”
Seasoned diplomats, such as Nirupama Menon Rao, have also reacted with horror at the implication that this trolling is a new norm. Not only does it threaten the officers’ personal lives, but it also compromises the integrity and morale of India’s diplomatic system.
As India enters a more complicated geopolitical environment, the professionalism of officers such as Vikram Misri should be respected and preserved, rather than mocked. It is not merely about standing up for one individual, but about defending the dignity and sovereignty of Indian diplomacy itself.
