Pakistani ex-diplomat defends Indian Foreign Secretary from BJP trolls

Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Jalil Abbas Jilani, has come out in support of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, after the latter and his family were targeted by right-wing trolls following the ceasefire announcement between Pakistan and India on May 10.

Vikram’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, which had been active since before he assumed office as Foreign Secretary in 2024, was withheld shortly after India’s right-wing began trolling him. They also reshared old tweets featuring his family and subjected them to online abuse.

Right-wing groups labelled Misri a “traitor”, “coward”, and “anti-India”, accusing him of undermining national integrity after India agreed to a ceasefire with Pakistan.

Terming the trolling campaign “painful”, Jilani wrote in a post on his X account on Monday: “The present campaign against him is painful and needs to be condemned.”

Describing Misri’s character, the former Pakistani foreign minister wrote: “I have known FS @VikramMisri for a long time. He is an outstanding diplomat, a decent human being, and well-respected around the globe.”

Misri joined the Foreign Service in 1989 and has previously served as India’s Ambassador to China and as Deputy National Security Adviser. Since May 7, when India launched missile strikes against Pakistan and the latter responded, Misri has been communicating Indian military developments to both domestic and international media.

The right-wing campaign extended to Misri’s daughter, Didon Misri, who is based in London and works at the global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. She was subjected to derogatory abuse, with trolls attacking her alleged legal support for Rohingya refugees.

However, according to her professional profile, Didon Misri specialises in investment treaties and international commercial arbitration.

India’s leading English-language daily, citing individuals familiar with her professional background, reported that Didon briefly interned with the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Myanmar during her law school years in India. Her role involved providing research support on various international humanitarian issues, including the matter of Rohingya refugees.

On Sunday, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association expressed solidarity with Misri. “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,” the Association stated in a post on X.