New Delhi (12.05.2025): Who can understand trouble and tribulations of Jammu and Kashmir better than a Kashmiri who is also a foreign policy expert but social media trolls did not spare Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri (IFS: 1989), a Kashmiri, after he announced the government decision of ceasefire understanding with Pakistan. Immediately after the announcement, Misri’s personal account on X was subjected to vulgar comments by various handles which blamed him for such an agreement with Pakistan. Misri was forced to lock his X account that has been made active since he became Foreign Secretary.
What social media trolls failed to understand that Misri performed his job excellently and with full dexterity all through his career and even when this crisis erupted. But social media trolls who consider themselves jack of all trades questioned and abused someone who is master of his trade. His skills and professional acumen brough him many accolades including recognition from the government by giving extension in his services for around 20 months i.e up 14.07.2026. Moreover, before being appointed as Foreign Secretary on 15.07.2024, he was serving as Dy NSA.
Unfortunately, even Misri’s daughter Didon Misri, based in London and works at global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, was not spared. She was criticised for providing legal support to Rohingya refugees. But her professional profile suggests something else as Didon Misri works in the field of investment treaty and international commercial arbitration who advised even the government of India on a number of occasions on international arbitration issues.
She certainly briefly interned with the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Myanmar during her years at law school in India. Linking that with adding to Rohingya Muslims can be nothing but ridiculous as her services involved providing research support to the UNHCR, which dealt with a number of international humanitarian issues at the time, including the subject of Rohingya refugees.
Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao come down heavily on social media trolls and defended him on X by posting, “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.”
Many former diplomats came out in support after the veteran IFS officer faced significant trolling on X. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association posted on X that it stands in solidarity with Misri and 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,” the Association posted on X.
The Indian Police Service (IPS) Association also condemned the personal attacks on Misri by posting on X, “Unequivocally condemn the deplorable personal attacks against Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family. Such unwarranted assaults on civil servants committed to their duties are absolutely intolerable.”
Applauding Vikram Misri's distinguished service to the nation Indian Corporate Law Service Officers' Association too condemned the personal criticism in the harshest possible words and expressed its solidarity with Vikram Misri.
The team Indianmandarins also feels compelled to call for stringent action against individuals who made such personal comments through their social media accounts.
(By Vinod Kumar Shukla)
