AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticised the online trolling of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri following the Indian government's announcement of a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan.
Misri, who has been the public face of the government during its Operation Sindoor briefings, played a key role in articulating India's position during a period of heightened security tensions.
Joining Colonel Sophiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Misri led the government’s communications, delivering statements and responding to media queries with clarity and composure. “Mr Vikram Misri is a decent and honest, hard-working diplomat who has been tirelessly serving our nation,” Owaisi wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Our civil servants work under the Executive — this must be remembered. They should not be blamed for the decisions taken by the Executive or any political leadership running Watan-e-Aziz,” he added, using an Urdu phrase meaning “beloved homeland.”
Owaisi’s remarks came in the wake of criticism directed at Misri by some social media users who were unhappy with the ceasefire decision. The Foreign Secretary, however, received significant praise for his composure and well-articulated statements during the government's frequent briefings.
Congress leader Salman Anees Soz also came to Misri’s defence, writing, “Vikram Misri, a Kashmiri, has done India proud. No amount of trolling can diminish his service to the country. If you can't say thank you, learn to shut up.”
Vikram Misri, an alumnus of Hindu College, Delhi University, and XLRI Jamshedpur, began his professional journey in advertising before joining the Indian Foreign Service. Over his career, he has served in various Indian missions abroad and held senior positions, including a stint in the Prime Minister’s Office. He took over as Foreign Secretary in July last year.
Since the beginning of Operation Sindoor, Misri has garnered appreciation for his precise choice of words and firm responses, particularly to Pakistan’s narrative.
Also Read: India issues stern warning to Pakistan over ceasefire breach
Responding to Pakistan’s call for a joint investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack — in which 26 innocent lives were lost — Misri pointed to Islamabad’s poor track record.
“We, in particular with regard to the Mumbai attacks of 2008, where a Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was captured alive, provided extensive information and evidence on Pakistan's involvement. While cases were registered, they have seen no significant progress despite judicial teams being formed. Pakistan has consistently blocked all efforts to move the investigation forward,” he said.
In another pointed response, Misri reacted sharply to comments made by Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson of the Pakistan Army’s media wing, ISPR. Chaudhry had referenced criticism of the Indian government by Indian politicians, influencers, and citizens.
To this, Misri responded, “The Pakistan Army spokesman seems to take great joy in the fact that Indian citizens are openly criticising their government. It may come as a surprise to Pakistan, but this is the hallmark of any open and functioning democracy. Pakistan’s unfamiliarity with such a system should not be surprising.”
Misri's handling of sensitive issues during the briefings has drawn both public support and political backing, underscoring his central role during a critical diplomatic episode.
Also Read: Operation Sindoor still ongoing, briefing soon: Indian Air Force
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