Amid the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, one name that has become familiar to almost every Indian is that of our Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri. Alongside Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, it is Misri who has been at the forefront, addressing the nation and briefing the press after India’s successful precision strike, Operation Sindoor, which took place in the early hours of May 7, 2025.
Calm, composed, and articulate, he has become the steady voice of Indian diplomacy during a critical moment in our history. While some may recognize him from the news, many are unaware that he is a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service to the nation. From backchannel negotiations to ambassadorial roles in key nations, Misri’s journey has been one of quiet strength and consistent leadership. Here are some of the most fascinating facts about India’s 35th Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri.
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Who is Vikram Misri? Here is everything you need to know about our current Foreign Secretary.
1. Vikram Misri was born on November 7, 1964 in Srinagar to a Kashmiri Hindu family.
2. Stellar educational qualification of Vikram Misri
Vikram Misri boasts a stellar academic background that laid a strong foundation for his diplomatic career. He began his early education at Burn Hall School and DAV School in Srinagar, later moving to Carmel Convent School in Udhampur, in the Jammu division. For his senior schooling, he attended the prestigious Scindia School in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Furthermore, bachelor’s degree in History from Hindu College, one of the most reputed institutions under Delhi University. That is not it, he then went on to complete an MBA from one of India’s top management institutes. It is none other than. XLRI (Xavier Labour Relations Institute) in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
3. A creative start before joining Diplomacy as a career
Interestingly, government service was not Vikram Misri’s first career choice. Before joining the Indian Foreign Service he spent the first three years of his professional life in the advertising industry.
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He worked with Lintas India in Mumbai and later with Contract Advertising in Delhi, gaining valuable experience in creative communication. You would be astounded to note that he even explored filmmaking briefly, showcasing his diverse interests before ultimately choosing a path in public service.
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4. Vikram Misri’s entry into the Foreign Services
He joined the IFS in 1989, marking the beginning of a distinguished diplomatic career. In the early stages of he was part of India’s core diplomatic teams during missions in Brussels and Tunis.
5. He served as a Private Secretary to Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral
In 1997, he was appointed Private Secretary to Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, marking his entry into top-level government service.
6. He served in several Indian missions abroad under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
7. Due to his consistent performance, he was again appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2012.
8. After Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, Vikram Misri continued in the role
One of the prime reasons that showcase Vikram Misri’s diplomatic acumen is that after Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, Vikram Misri was retained in the Prime Minister’s Office. Having previously served under Prime Ministers I.K. Gujral and Dr. Manmohan Singh, his continuity in such a sensitive role highlighted the deep trust placed in him across political lines.
This rare distinction of serving under three different Prime Ministers makes him one of India’s most seasoned and respected diplomats.
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9. He has worked closely with External Affairs Ministers such as I.K. Gujral and Pranab Mukherjee
Under Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, I.K. Gujral served as our External Affairs minister. Meanwhile, under Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, this position was held by Pranab Mukherjee. At that time, Vikram Misri worked closely with the two officials thereby gaining deep insights into foreign policy formulation.
10. Vikram Misri handled the Pakistan desk at the MEA, playing a crucial role in regional diplomacy.
11. From Deputy High Commissioner to Ambassador, he held various prestigious positions for the country
Vikram Misri have had a great porfolio. The key international positions held by him includes – Deputy High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Consul General in Munich, Ambassador to Spain (2014–2016), Ambassador to Myanmar (2016–2018), and Ambassador to China (2019–2021).
12. His diplomatic engagements span four continents which includes – Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
13. One of his most significant contributions came in 2020, when he played a pivotal role in diplomatic efforts during the Indo-China border tensions
Back in 2020, India-China border tensions were at its peak. During such a crucial time Vikram Misri, as India’s Ambassador to China, played a pivotal role in diplomatic efforts. He led multiple rounds of talks with Chinese officials, urging de-escalation and reinforcing India’s stance on sovereignty.
Misri’s calm diplomacy and strategic communication helped navigate one of the most sensitive phases in India-China relations, ensuring that diplomatic channels remained open amid the crisis.
14. From January 2022 to June 2024, he served as Deputy National Security Adviser, focusing on Strategic Affairs.
15. A new chapter opened in Vikram Misri’s life when he became the 35th Foreign Secretary of India on July 15, 2024
On June 28, 2024, the Government of India officially announced that Vikram Misri would be succeeding Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the new Foreign Secretary. Just a few weeks later, on July 15, 2024, he formally assumed office, becoming the 35th Foreign Secretary of India.
The precision military strike i.e. Operation Sindoor became the first and most high-stakes mission that unfolded under Vikram Misri’s leadership as Foreign Secretary. From coordinating with defense authorities to presenting India’s official stance to the global community, Vikram Misri played a central role in shaping both the diplomatic messaging and strategic outreach during the operation.
On the flip side, soon after Vikram Misri announced the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10, 2025, a section of war-mongering individuals expressed their anger by targeting him online. The trolling quickly turned personal, with not just Vikram but also his family members being dragged into the hate campaign.
One of his two daughters, Didon Misri, who works in London at Herbert Smith Freehills, faced particularly vicious attacks, including false accusations and doxxing.
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Amid the growing harassment, Vikram Misri locked his Twitter account on May 11 to maintain privacy. However, the toxic backlash was met with a wave of support from diplomats, politicians, and citizens who strongly condemned the unwarranted hate.
Have a look at it,
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. pic.twitter.com/qahtRLfCLF— IAS Association (@IASassociation) May 11, 2025
Mr Vikram Misri is a decent and an Honest Hard working Diplomat working tirelessly for our Nation.
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… https://t.co/yfM3ygfiyt— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) May 11, 2025
It’s utterly shameful to troll Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement. A dedicated diplomat, Misri has served India with professionalism and resolve, and there is no ground whatsoever for his vilification . Doxxing his…
— Nirupama Menon Rao 🇮🇳 (@NMenonRao) May 11, 2025
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Calling such a respectable diplomat a ‘traitor’ and trolling his daughter is utterly disgusting. The acumen of Vikram Misri, over the last 3 decades, is something that every Indian must never forget. We must choose to respect and admire such diplomats who only wish to serve their nation in the best possible manner.
Were you aware of such fascinating facts regarding our Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri? Do share your thoughts via the comments below.
