India’s Foreign Secretary Mr. Vikram Misri (1989-batch IFS officer) has come under heavy online trolling following his role in briefing the media on Operation Sindoor, during which India conducted precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi, Mr. Misri held regular press briefings, providing crucial updates and eventually announcing a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
However, soon after the announcement, Mr. Misri and his daughter were subjected to personal attacks and online harassment, forcing him to lock his social media account. The trolling, coming from “nameless, faceless” sources, has sparked widespread condemnation, especially from members of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
The Indian Foreign Service Association issued a strong statement of support, asserting: “The officers of the Indian Foreign Service strongly condemn the recent attacks on the Foreign Secretary for actions undertaken as part of his official duties. The service stands firmly with the Foreign Secretary and will continue to extend its unequivocal support to him as we seek to fulfil our responsibilities to our great nation.”
The officers of the Indian Foreign Service strongly condemn the recent attacks on the Foreign Secretary for actions undertaken as part of his official duties. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/5QfWMBspYm
— Indian Foreign Service (@indiandiplomats) May 12, 2025
Heads of Indian Diplomacy Stand United Behind Officer Misri:
Ms. Namrata S Kumar, Ambassador of India to Latvia, said: “No amount of trolling weakens us. Dedication and commitment to the service and the nation are further cemented. We, the members of the Foreign Service, stand in complete solidarity with our Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri and his family, who have been subjected to the unwarranted and unfortunate social media trolling. A distinguished and impeccable officer—Misri is a true Karmayogi. We are proud of him.”
Mr. Gaurav Gupta, another IFS officer, stated: “We stand firmly with the Foreign Secretary and condemn the social media attacks on him and his family while discharging official duty and serving the nation.”
Mr. Arindam Bagchi, a senior diplomat, remarked: “Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is an exceptional professional with impeccable integrity, and a wonderful human being and boss. Proud to see him ably serve the nation at a time of crisis. The despicable trolling of him and his family is completely unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with him.”
Mr. Sridharan Madhusudhanan, also voiced strong condemnation: “Indian Foreign Service officers strongly condemn recent attacks on the Foreign Secretary for actions undertaken as part of his official duties. We stand firmly with him and remain committed to serving our nation.”
Mr. Puneet Roy Kundal, a 1996-batch IFS officer, noted: “Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has always discharged his duties with dedication and unstinted patriotism. I stand in full solidarity with him.”
Dr. J Aravind, First Secretary of India to Bhutan, emphasized: “Indian Foreign Service officers stand in firm solidarity and support of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The personal attacks on his family are highly condemnable!”
Mr. Mohit Yadav, another officer, added: “Disrespect towards officers of the Indian Foreign Service, personal attacks & petulant conduct are unacceptable. Officers serve with unwavering commitment, guided solely by the principle of Bharat First. I unequivocally stand with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.”
Finally, Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia, remarked: “We are all solidly behind the leader of our service, Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri, who is a patriot and professional of the highest order. I condemn the despicable attacks on him & his family. His lifetime of dedicated service to the nation is to be lauded.”
The wave of support from the diplomatic community highlights the unity within the Indian Foreign Service and reinforces their commitment to defending officers performing their duties in national interest.
