Diplomats Stand Up for Foreign Secretary Facing Online Hate
Diplomats Rally Behind Foreign Secretary Facing Online Abuse
There’s been an outpouring of support for Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri after he and a family member were targeted with online abuse following the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, was at the forefront of communicating the government’s position during Operation Sindoor, the military response to a terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Following the ceasefire announcement on May 10th, he and his family faced a wave of personal attacks on social media.
Condemnation from the Diplomatic Community
The IAS Association, representing senior Indian Administrative Service officers, swiftly condemned the attacks, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”
Fellow civil servants from Misri’s 1989 batch also voiced their support. V Srinivas, the Union Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances Secretary, praised Misri as “one of India’s most celebrated Diplomats,” while Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Housing and Urban Affairs, called for the protection of Misri’s family’s dignity.
Retired diplomats joined the chorus of condemnation. Nirupama Menon Rao, who served as Foreign Secretary until 2011, called the attacks “utterly shameful” and demanded an end to the “toxic hate.” Navdeep Suri, another retired IFS officer and former Ambassador to UAE and Egypt, expressed his disgust at the targeting of Misri and his family, highlighting his professionalism and composure.
Calls for Unity and Decency
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the need for civility and respect in online discourse. The diplomats’ united front sends a strong message against the harassment and abuse that have become increasingly prevalent on social media.
