In the midst of high tensions between India and Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has been at the forefront of India’s diplomatic responses, providing press briefings on India’s Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s subsequent retaliatory actions. However, in the midst of his diplomatic duties, Misri and his family, especially his daughter, have become targets of online trolling. This episode has drawn considerable attention, as both India’s political leaders and civil society have rallied behind the Foreign Secretary.
Why Vikram Misri and his daughter faced trolling
Vikram Misri’s work, particularly after India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement on May 10, 2025, became a point of contention among certain online groups. Despite the ceasefire, which was achieved after a series of cross-border drone and missile attacks from Pakistan, Misri faced trolling for being part of the diplomatic process that led to the truce. Critics, including some who had previously called for harsher actions following the Pahalgam terror attack, were upset by the ceasefire and turned their ire towards Misri.
The trolling escalated when social media users targeted Misri’s daughter, Didon Misri. She was accused of offering legal support to Rohingya refugees through her professional work at a law firm in London. Personal details, including her contact information, were also shared online, and offensive comments were directed at her. This situation forced Vikram Misri to lock his social media account to protect his family’s privacy.
Support for Misri and his family
In the face of this backlash, several prominent politicians, civil servants, and former diplomats came forward to express their support for Misri and his family. The IAS Association issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Foreign Secretary and condemning the personal attacks. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also took to social media, praising Misri as a hardworking diplomat and urging others to remember that civil servants work under the executive branch of the government, and they should not be blamed for political decisions.
Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao condemned the trolling, highlighting Misri’s professional contributions and emphasizing the need for respect towards diplomats. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, in an interview, also condemned the trolling, questioning the motivations of those behind the attacks.
Other political leaders, including Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, expressed similar sentiments, stating that such abuse undermines the morale of public servants who work for the country. They criticized the lack of response from the ruling government and its ministers to protect Misri’s dignity.
Who is Vikram Misri?
Vikram Misri, India’s 35th Foreign Secretary, has had a long and distinguished career in diplomacy. Born in Srinagar in 1964, Misri joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1989 and started his career focusing on Pakistan at the Ministry of External Affairs. Over the years, he served as a private secretary to three Indian Prime Ministers: IK Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi.
Misri also held the position of Deputy National Security Advisor from 2022 to 2024, where he was involved in strategic decision-making at the national level. His career trajectory reflects his deep commitment to India’s foreign policy and national security interests.
The trolling of Vikram Misri and his family highlights the toxic nature of online discourse in the political arena. While it is important for citizens to express their opinions, targeting individuals personally, especially their families, crosses a line. Misri’s professionalism and dedication to his role as a diplomat are widely acknowledged, and it is crucial that individuals who serve the country with integrity are protected from baseless personal attacks.
The support Misri received from political leaders, civil servants, and the general public underscores the need for a more respectful and empathetic approach to public service. As India navigates the complexities of its relationship with Pakistan, it is essential to separate political differences from personal attacks on individuals who are serving the nation with dedication and hard work.
