Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has recently faced severe online harassment, including targeted abuse directed towards his family, particularly his daughters, following the announcement of a significant de-escalation agreement between India and Pakistan. This agreement, which seeks to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea, was reached by the Director Generals of Military Operations from both nations during a call on Saturday.
In response to the vitriol directed at Misri, numerous diplomats and politicians have rallied in defense of the Foreign Secretary. Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), vocally condemned the attacks, emphasizing that Misri, as an honest and dedicated officer, should not face backlash for conveying decisions made by the government.
Owaisi highlighted the importance of remembering that civil servants operate under the executive authority and should not be scapegoated for governmental policies. Similarly, Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav criticized the central government for failing to protect Misri’s dignity, reiterating that he was merely the messenger of a diplomatic decision, not the architect of it.
Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao expressed her disapproval of the online abuse, labeling it “utterly shameful” and calling for a united front in support of diplomats like Misri who serve with dedication and commitment to the nation. She condemned the doxxing of his daughters and urged an end to such toxic behavior.
The ceasefire announcement came in response to a series of intense military exchanges between India and Pakistan that had escalated tensions in recent days. With the commitment to halt hostilities, this agreement represents a hopeful turn in Indo-Pak relations, providing an opportunity for dialogue and peace after a volatile period.
The diplomatic community’s rallying around Misri reflects a collective understanding of the deep commitment required in foreign service roles and the need to stand against hate-driven personal attacks. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of civil discourse, particularly in politically charged environments. The ongoing discussions between India and Pakistan are awaiting their next scheduled talks, which are set for May 12.