Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was forced to lock his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, March 11, after becoming the target of a coordinated wave of online abuse. The trolling came in the wake of India’s announcement of a ceasefire with Pakistan, following a tense four-day military standoff that had included missile and drone strikes under Operation Sindoor.
Despite being the public face of the Ministry of External Affairs during the conflict, Misri faced intense backlash from right-wing social media accounts who labelled him a “traitor” and accused him of “surrendering” India’s military advantage. These attacks came after he officially announced the ceasefire on the evening of May 10, and continued through the next day with personal, often vicious, trolling.
The abuse escalated as trolls dug up old posts of Misri’s family, specifically targeting his daughter, Didon Misri, who is based in London and works at the global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. Her brief internship with the UNHCR in Myanmar during her law school years was misrepresented by trolls as “legal support for Rohingya Muslims”, with coordinated narratives accusing both father and daughter of being sympathetic to causes seen as ‘anti-national’ by the far-right. In reality, Didon Misri specialises in international arbitration and has represented the Indian government in several legal matters abroad.
Misri had been at the forefront of delivering calm and measured briefings from the Ministry of External Affairs throughout the Operation Sindoor conflict. He had publicly defended democratic values, saying that “criticising the government is the hallmark of democracy”—a position at odds with the aggressive nationalist rhetoric from BJP supporters and affiliated online influencers. As per the report of The Wire, Misri’s refusal to confirm unverified claims—such as the death of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Abdul Rauf Azhar, which the BJP had already broadcast as fact— might have further enraged right-wing circles.
After the ceasefire announcement, Misri became the scapegoat for what many online trolls framed as a strategic retreat. Many media reports, including The Wire, Times of India, LiveMint, showed how personal attacks turned abusive, accusing him of jeopardising national security, “prostrating before Pakistan,” and even targeting his daughter’s career choices abroad. As the trolling crossed into threats and doxxing, Misri was left with no choice but to lock his account—a rare move for someone in his position.
The backlash has been widely condemned by the IAS Association, journalists, and opposition leaders, who have pointed to the dangerous precedent of targeting civil servants for carrying out official duties. Yet, top government functionaries have remained silent. Notably, at the time of the publishing of the present article, neither External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar nor Defence Minister Rajnath Singh—who posted multiple times about BrahMos and Operation Sindoor—have publicly supported Misri or addressed the abuse.
The government’s silence has drawn sharp criticism and raised serious concerns about its unwillingness to protect bureaucrats from politically motivated social media attacks. At a time when foreign policy decisions are being dissected in real-time on volatile digital platforms, the abandonment of a senior diplomat in the face of such vitriol sends a chilling message about the costs of public service.
Background: The ceasefire announcement
On Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a significant breakthrough: India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire across land, air, and sea following a week of dangerous military escalation involving drones and missile strikes. Speaking at a press briefing, Misri stated that the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations had reached an understanding during a phone call and that the next round of talks are scheduled for today, May 12. The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump posted on social media, claiming the talks had been “mediated” by the United States.
The outpouring of support
Political Leaders Defend Misri: The vitriol prompted an outpouring of support from across the political spectrum. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi reminded the public that civil servants function under the executive and should not be blamed for political decisions. “Mr Vikram Misri is a decent and honest, hardworking diplomat working tirelessly for our nation. Our civil servants work under the executive—this must be remembered. They shouldn’t be blamed for decisions taken by the executive or any political leadership running Watan-e-Aziz,” he posted on X.
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… https://t.co/yfM3ygfiyt— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) May 11, 2025
The Congress party’s Kerala unit also condemned the trolling, noting the pattern of hate attacks. “Last week, Modi bhakts launched a vicious character assassination campaign against Ms Himanshi Narwal… Now, they’re targeting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, as though he unilaterally decided on the ceasefire, not Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh or Jaishankar… Modi is now grappling with the Frankenstein’s monster he created in the form of the IT Cell,” the statement read.
Last week, Modi bhakts launched a vicious character assassination campaign against Ms Himanshi Narwal, the widow of a soldier and officer, simply because she appealed for “no hate, no violence”.
Now, they’re targeting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, as though he unilaterally… pic.twitter.com/wHyCyRRR8F
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) May 11, 2025
Did any Modi ministers come in support of Vikram Mirsi after their criminal IT cell attacked his family and him for simply communicating ceasefire that Modi decided?
No
Did they reprimand their IT Cell from attacking him?
No
The Businessman’s Jackpot Party will never do it.… pic.twitter.com/s5IQHWualn
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) May 12, 2025
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed the government for its silence, writing: “It is the government’s responsibility to make decisions – not individual officers… but neither the BJP government nor any of its ministers are coming forward to protect his honour and respect.”
निर्णय तो सरकार का होता है; किसी अधिकारी का नहीं।
ये बेहद संवेदनशील, निंदनीय, शर्मनाक, आपत्तिजनक और दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण बात है कि देश के एक बहुत बड़े अधिकारी और उसके परिवार के ख़िलाफ़ कुछ असामाजिक-आपराधिक तत्व सरेआम अपशब्दों की सारी सीमाएं तोड़ रहे हैं लेकिन उनके मान-सम्मान की रक्षा… pic.twitter.com/scIUETtX1e
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 11, 2025
PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan called the abuse an eye-opener, stating: “Calling this hate ‘nationalism’ is the biggest lie of our time. For a decade, patriots, soldiers, scholars, and diplomats have been attacked for rejecting bloodlust. The right-wing hate engine is India’s real threat, and this rot must end before it ends us.”
The abuse towards Vikram Misri & his daughter is an eye-opener. Calling this hate ‘Nationalism’ is the biggest lie of our time. For a decade, patriots,soldiers, scholars, diplomats have been attacked for rejecting bloodlust. Right Wing hate engine is India’s real threat & this… pic.twitter.com/jS6Mwn3Q1Q
— Mohit Bhan موہت بھان (@buttkout) May 11, 2025
The video included in this post shows the kind of vile remarks that were made against Misri and his family.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, in an interview with NDTV, called the trolling “preposterous.” “Young Vikram Misri has done an outstanding job. He worked very hard, very long hours and is an extremely effective voice for India. I can’t understand who on earth would troll and why?” Tharoor added that the dignified conduct of officers like Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi should be celebrated, not attacked.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra posted on X: “Disgusting to see social media trolling of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri & family—no professional diplomat doing his job should be subjected to this. Stand strong, Sir—not everyone in this country is as vile as AndhBhakts.”
Disgusting to see social media trolling of Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri & family – no professional diplomat doing his job should be subjected to this. Stand strong, Sir – not everyone in this country is as vile as AndhBhakts.
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) May 11, 2025
Congress leader Sachin Pilot wrote: “It’s unacceptable to target our professional diplomats and civil servants — those who work dedicatedly to serve the nation.”
I condemn the social media trolling directed at family of the Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri
It’s unacceptable to target our professional diplomats and civil servants — those who work dedicatedly to serve the nation. pic.twitter.com/n9FOotbbvx
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) May 11, 2025
Support from former diplomats and bureaucrats: Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao labelled the attacks “utterly shameful,” noting they “cross every line of decency.” She defended Misri’s professionalism and condemned the doxxing and harassment of his daughter.
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…
— Nirupama Menon Rao 🇮🇳 (@NMenonRao) May 11, 2025
Former diplomat Navdeep Suri echoed this, saying: “It is absolutely disgusting to see the trolls target Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family. He has been a picture of professionalism—calm, composed, measured and articulate. But that’s not enough for the bloodlust of a section of our society. Shameful!”
It is absolutely disgusting to see the trolls target Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri and his family. He has been a picture of professionalism – calm, composed, measured and articulate. But that’s not enough for the bloodlust of a section of our society. Shameful!
— Navdeep Suri (@navdeepsuri) May 11, 2025
Several senior bureaucrats rallied behind Misri. V Srinivas, Union Secretary of Administrative Reforms, praised him as one of India’s “most celebrated diplomats” who exemplifies a “Nation First” approach.
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.
Dt 10.5.2025@narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @DrJitendraSingh @MEAIndia @IASassociation https://t.co/vKtA47nLNX
— V.Srinivas IAS (@svoruganti1466) May 11, 2025
As per the report of The Indian Express, Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs and Misri’s batchmate, stated: “Highly regrettable that dedicated & sincere civil servants are targeted for performing their duties. His devotion to duty must be applauded & his family’s dignity must be defended.”
The IAS Association also issued a formal statement: “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 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. pic.twitter.com/qahtRLfCLF— IAS Association (@IASassociation) May 11, 2025
Solidarity was also shown by others:
It is deeply regrettable to witness undignified and distasteful remarks directed at Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri ~ a distinguished IFS officer who has served the nation with utmost dedication in critical diplomatic roles.
Bureaucrats India strongly condemns such… pic.twitter.com/zNRtlW1GUA
— Bureaucrats India (@BureaucratsInd) May 11, 2025
— IPS Association (@IPS_Association) May 11, 2025
Statements from civil society, media, and others: Prominent journalist Madhavan Narayanan recalled working with Misri during his stint in the Prime Minister’s Office under Manmohan Singh. “Pity that such composed career diplomats are being trolled for doing a thoroughly professional job. Something is terribly wrong somewhere in a country that cannot salute excellence,” he wrote.
I have very pleasant memories of #VikramMisri when he was in the PMO with the late PM Manmohan Singh.. I was on board a long flight with the PM and still remember the bonhomie in the PM’s team. Pity that such composed career diplomats are being trolled for doing a thoroughly…
— Madhavan Narayanan (@madversity) May 11, 2025
Comedian and actor Vir Das commented: “Vikram Misri was amazing, so were Colonel Sophiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.”
Vikram Misri was amazing, so were Colonel Sophiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) May 11, 2025
Fact-checker Mohammed Zubair highlighted the organised nature of the attacks: “First they went after Himanshi Narwal… Now the same trolls are going after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his daughter, abusing and sharing her mobile number.”
First they went after Himanshi Narwal, The Wife of the Navy Officer Vinay Narwal. And now the same trolls are going after the Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri and his daughter, Abusing and sharing her mobile number.
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 11, 2025
Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri has now protected his account.
Reason: Right wing trolls were digging out his old tweets with his family and abusing them. https://t.co/fuAE3A8fYc pic.twitter.com/yQpfQqaKKq— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) May 11, 2025
A symptom of a larger problem?
The abuse directed at India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family is not an isolated incident—it is part of a broader and disturbing pattern of coordinated online targeting, often against individuals who speak truth to power, advocate peace, or simply fulfil their public duties with integrity.
Journalist Raju Parulekar summed it up starkly in a tweet titled “Time to Rethink”, where he wrote:
“India’s Foreign Secretary and his family are targeted by RW troll army. That’s not surprising, as the traits of the Leadership percolate. ‘Congress ki vidhwa’, ‘50 crore ki girlfriend’, ‘jersey gaay’ etc show a glimpse into the patriarchal, misogynistic and regressive mindset of Narendra Modi.
If he can say this despite occupying a constitutional office, the trolls working to bolster his image can definitely stoop to the lowest.
Hopefully, the Babus learn something from this. Their political master is not the man worth dying for. And he’s certainly not going to stand for their honour against his troll army.”
Sub: Time to Rethink 🚨
India’s Foreign Secretary and his family are targeted by RW troll army.
That’s not surprising, as the traits of the Leadership percolate.
“Congress ki vidhwa”, “50 crore ki grilfriend”, “jersey gaay” etc show a glimpse into the patriarchical,… pic.twitter.com/YR5aHyV9Bi
— Raju Parulekar (@rajuparulekar) May 11, 2025
Parulekar’s tweet captures the climate of impunity in which online abuse flourishes—a climate set from the very top and maintained by a digital ecosystem that treats dissent, empathy, and professionalism as offences worthy of punishment.
The episode has laid bare the toxicity of online discourse in India, especially when it intersects with nationalism, diplomacy, and military matters. Misri’s abuse is not an isolated incident but a continuation of a pattern where professionals who speak or act in favour of peace are vilified by right-wing online ecosystems.
Kashmir Times editor Anuradha Bhasin and The Wire’s Arfa Khanum Sherwani both reported receiving rape threats for their public stances. Bhasin, whose newspaper has consistently upheld a no-war position and has extensively documented the suffering of people living near the Line of Control, found her X account blocked amidst the threats. Sherwani, a senior journalist known for her integrity, also faced a barrage of abuse intended to silence and intimidate.
Defence spokespersons Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh were criticised by online trolls for allegedly “fumbling” during official press briefings. Several X accounts falsely claiming to be operated by the two officers began circulating soon after their appearances. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) was forced to intervene, publicly clarifying that both officers are not present on the platform and disavowing the impersonator accounts.
The widow of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, Himanshi, also became a target after she spoke out against the communalisation of grief and the scapegoating of Muslims in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Her calls for peace and unity were met with vicious online character assassination, further highlighting the entrenched intolerance for dissenting or humane voices in a deeply polarised digital environment.
Together, these instances underscore the cost of empathy, integrity, and professional duty in today’s India. Whether one is a bureaucrat, journalist, officer, or a grieving family member—any expression that disrupts the dominant narrative risks being met with vitriol. In this environment, the state’s silence—or worse, complicity—only emboldens the attackers.
The refusal to hold those responsible for such coordinated harassment campaigns accountable raises critical concerns about the protection of civil servants, the weaponisation of digital hate, and the government’s unwillingness to condemn such behaviour when it comes from its support base.
As calls grow louder for action against the trolls, the dignified silence of Vikram Misri and his continued commitment to duty have earned him admiration from across ideological lines, proving once again that professionalism, integrity, and courage in public service still command respect.
Related:
Treading Carefully: Illusion of Accountability in an age of social media content creation
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