New Delhi: Top bureaucrats and public figures have come out in strong support of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, following a torrent of abusive social media trolling directed at him and his family after he announced a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.

Misri, who briefed the media on Saturday regarding the renewed commitment by both nations to cease military operations, became the target of personal attacks online. The vitriol intensified after his announcement was interpreted by some as overly conciliatory towards Pakistan, especially after the country was accused of violating the truce soon after the agreement was made public.

Amid the backlash, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association issued a statement of solidarity on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), denouncing the “unwarranted personal attacks” on Misri. “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,” it said.

The Indian Police Service (IPS) Association echoed the condemnation, describing the attacks as “deplorable” and “absolutely intolerable.” It highlighted that civil servants carry out their duties as instructed by the Executive and should not be scapegoated for political decisions.

The abuse escalated to the point where Misri was compelled to lock his personal X account after users posted vulgar comments, some of which targeted his daughter.

Political leaders also expressed support. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi reminded the public that civil servants act under the directives of the government. “They shouldn’t be blamed for the decisions taken by the Executive or any political leadership,” he posted.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot strongly condemned the attacks, saying: “It’s unacceptable to target our professional diplomats and civil servants — those who work dedicatedly to serve the nation.” Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, said Misri had merely conveyed the decision of the political leadership and should not be subject to malice.

V. Srinivas, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), also expressed support for his batchmate. Calling Misri one of India’s “most celebrated diplomats,” he added that the Foreign Secretary “has always epitomised the best values of service above self and a Nation First approach.”