Indian foreign secretary faces harassment online after Pak-India ceasefire
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addresses the media, announcing India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in New Delhi on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Courtesy: Indian Ministry of External Affairs/ File
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has come under heavy online criticism following the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, prompting him to make his social media account private.
Misri, who has represented India’s diplomatic position in recent press briefings, was targeted by social media users on Sunday. His family, including his daughter, was subjected to personal attacks, with users sharing private photos, contact details, and making inappropriate comments.
The attacks followed the announcement of the ceasefire, which some war-mongering nationalists in India perceived as a concession to Pakistan. Misri was labelled a "traitor" and "anti-national," with some posts questioning his daughter’s citizenship.
Political leaders across India condemned the abuse. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi defended Misri, saying civil servants should not be blamed for political decisions. “Misri is a dedicated, honest diplomat. He should not be held accountable for the decisions of the political leadership,” Owaisi said.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot also spoke out, condemning the trolling as unacceptable. “Diplomats who work tirelessly for the nation should not be subjected to this,” Pilot wrote.
Why is no action taken against this repeat vile doxxer of women? Chandan Kumar Singh needs to go to jail https://t.co/7egutilYAk
Journalist Swati Chaturvedi and fact-checker Mohammed Zubair called for action against the trolls, with Zubair noting a pattern of coordinated harassment, citing previous attacks on other individuals.
The first person to target Vikram Misri and his daughter is Chandan Kumar Singh @TheSquind. Soon after he tweeted this, his troll army started sharing details of his daughter's insta account, linkedin details, contact details. Etc.
This is not the first time he did this. He is… https://t.co/A5cOOmCCn1 pic.twitter.com/GfQR16yBNxThe online harassment follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Saturday of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Both countries confirmed the deal, with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio praising the agreement and encouraging further dialogue.