Prominent Indian Leaders Rally Behind Foreign Secretary Following Online Criticism
New Delhi – The recent announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has thrown Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri into the social media spotlight, where he faced an onslaught of trolling and criticism. Prominent political figures, including AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, have come to his defense, asserting that civil servants like Misri should not bear the brunt of public discontent surrounding governmental decisions. In a robust post on social media platform X, Owaisi emphasized the honorable and diligent nature of Misri’s work, urging that civil servants operate under the directives of the executive and therefore should not be blamed for the actions taken by political leadership.
The outpouring of support marks a significant moment, as Misri has been at the forefront of the Indian government’s briefings regarding the recent military operations and negotiations with Pakistan. Alongside other key military and diplomatic figures, such as Colonel Sophiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Misri has articulated India’s position during a particularly tense security climate. His professionalism and clarity during these briefings have garnered recognition, highlighting his integral role in shaping the diplomatic narrative.
The trolling of Misri intensified following Operation Sindoor, an initiative addressing escalating tensions with Pakistan. Asaduddin Owaisi made it clear that the public discourse surrounding such decisions should not diminish the contributions of those serving within the civil service. He stated, “Our civil servants work under the Executive; this must be remembered & they shouldn’t be blamed for the decisions taken by The Executive or any Political leadership running Watan E Aziz.” With these remarks, Owaisi aims to shift the focus from personal attacks to the values of respect and professionalism in diplomacy.
Political Figures Join A Chorus of Support for Misri
In a commendable gesture of solidarity, Congress leader Salman Anees Soz also voiced his support for Misri. He remarked, “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,” indicating his disapproval of the social media backlash. Such endorsements underline the collective acknowledgment of Misri’s contributions and the need for civility in political discourse.
Adding to the chorus of support, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid lamented the targeting of Misri, stating that it reflects poorly on societal values. He described the actions of the trolls as “very, very sad,” emphasizing that the professionalism displayed by Misri, Qureshi, and Singh should be celebrated rather than denigrated. Khurshid’s sentiments resonate with many who see trolling as a distraction from serious diplomatic dialogues that require collective focus and respect.
Meanwhile, former diplomat Navdeep Suri also expressed his dismay at the online harassment faced by Misri. In social media posts, he described the trolling as “shameful” and “disgusting,” highlighting the professionalism and composure that Misri has demonstrated throughout his career. Suri’s insights underline a growing concern among many that constructive criticism should never devolve into personal attacks, particularly against individuals who serve the nation in challenging roles.
Misri’s Notable Contributions Amidst Tense Diplomatic Relations
Vikram Misri’s background speaks volumes about his capabilities and dedication to India’s foreign service. He is an alumnus of Delhi’s prestigious Hindu College and XLRI, Jamshedpur, and his career has seen him serve in various Indian missions abroad, as well as in the Prime Minister’s Office. Appointed as Foreign Secretary in July of the previous year, Misri’s role has thrust him into the public eye during notably tense negotiations between India and Pakistan.
During the ongoing Operation Sindoor, which aimed at addressing security concerns exacerbated by recent incidents, Misri has been a chief communicator for the government. His articulate responses during briefings have been pivotal in conveying India’s stance, particularly concerning Pakistan’s involvement in terror activities. For instance, Misri addressed Pakistan’s proposal for a joint investigation into the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing that Pakistan does not have a “bright record” in addressing such critical matters, drawing attention to past incidents like the Mumbai attacks.
Misri’s diplomatic remarks on democracy also drew attention when responding to a critique from the Pakistan Army’s media wing regarding Indian public dissent against its government. Misri highlighted that the ability of citizens to criticize their government is a hallmark of a functioning democracy—a concept that resonated with many in Indian society. His remarks countering Pakistan’s stance indicate a nuanced understanding of international relations, further solidifying his reputation as a professional diplomat.
A Call for Respect and Understanding in Civil Discourse
The backlash against Vikram Misri has triggered a broader conversation about civil discourse in India. The trolling of a dedicated public servant raises important questions about the lines between critique and personal attacks, especially within the politically charged environment of Indian society. Many prominent figures believe that the trend of online trolling needs to be addressed, advocating for a more respectful dialogue that acknowledges the hard work and dedication of civil servants.
As highlighted by various political leaders, including Owaisi and Soz, the focus should shift towards constructive criticism rather than vitriol. In a time when national security and diplomatic relations are at the forefront, promoting a supportive environment for diplomats like Misri can enhance India’s standing on the global stage. It is crucial for society to recognize the values of respect and appreciation for those working tirelessly to maintain the country’s interests.
Ultimately, Misri’s resilience and dedication to his role as Foreign Secretary, even amid personal attacks, serve as a reminder of the importance of professionalism in public service. His ability to manage public relations, especially during times of crisis, underscores the critical need for strong diplomatic voices in maintaining India’s global image and opposing narratives.
As per the report by[News18](https://www.news18.com/news/india/asaduddin-owaisi-defends-vikram-misri-amid-social-media-trolling-over-ceasefire-announcement-with-pakistan-1234567.html), the dialogue surrounding Misri serves as a pivotal moment to reflect on the broader implications of public sentiment towards diplomatic figures in India.
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