New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has strongly defended Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri amid a surge of online abuse targeting the top diplomat following the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Tharoor condemned the trolling as “preposterous” and praised Misri for his composed and capable handling of one of the most volatile episodes in recent India-Pakistan relations.
“I think young Vikram Misri has done an outstanding job. He’s worked long hours and has been a tireless, effective voice for India,” Tharoor said. He also applauded Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who addressed the press with what he described as professionalism and calm. “I can’t understand who would troll them or why. What could they possibly have done differently?” he added.
The wave of online vitriol came after Misri formally announced a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10. The truce followed four consecutive days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. According to Misri, the ceasefire was the outcome of discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. A follow-up round of talks is scheduled for May 12.
Shortly after the announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media claiming that Washington had “mediated” the agreement. The Ministry of External Affairs has not officially responded to this assertion.
Since the announcement, Misri has faced a coordinated trolling campaign on social media, with some users questioning his patriotism and even targeting his family by posting personal information—a practice known as doxxing. The abuse has drawn strong criticism from civil society, politicians, and bureaucratic associations.
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association issued a statement standing “in solidarity with Shri Vikram Misri and his family,” calling the personal attacks “deeply regrettable” and reaffirming the dignity of public service. The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) also voiced support, urging restraint and respect for public officials.
Prominent political leaders, including AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, also came out in support of Misri. Owaisi described the diplomat as “decent, honest, and hardworking,” emphasizing that civil servants operate under the directions of the executive. Yadav condemned what he called “baseless and hateful statements” that demoralize dedicated public servants, criticizing the BJP-led government for its silence on the issue.
Although the Ministry of External Affairs has yet to comment officially on the matter, several retired diplomats, including former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao, have expressed concern about the implications of such personal attacks on officials serving the nation.
