Meet Vikram Misri: Started In Advertising, 35th Foreign Secretary Of India, Served Under Three PMs

Vikram Misri is a name we have been familiarised with over the past few days. Amid the heated exchange between India and Pakistan, it was Vikram, along with Colnel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who became the face of Indian armed forces and administration for the rest of the world. The trio first appeared in front of the media after India's precision strike 'Operation Sindoor' took place post-midnight on May 9, 2025.

However, it was on May 10, 2025, that Vikram Misri truly became one of the most talked about names across the country. The Foreign Secretary of India addressed the press after Pakistan launched several attacks on the night prior, i.e., May 9, 2025. He also faced backlash after the International Monetary Fund IMF sanctioned massive aid to Pakistan. Nonetheless, apart from his keen eye and steadfast demeanour, there is much more to Vikram Misri.

Vikram Misri's education and early career

Vikram Misri was born on November 7, 1964, to a Kashmiri Hindu family in Srinagar. He began his academic journey at Burn Hall School and DAV School in his hometown. He further moved to Carmel Convent School in Udhampur, Jammu division. Vikram pursued his higher education at Scindia School in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior. After completing his schooling, the Foreign Secretary completed his undergraduate degree in history from the prestigious Hindu College. For the unversed, Hindu College is an extended wing of the renowned Delhi University.

Vikram also has an MBA from the XLRI (Xavier Labour Relations Institute), which is situated in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Vikram Misri was a smart student with a spotless academic record. However, he didn't begin his career as a government employee. Interestingly, Vikram first worked in the field of advertising for the first three years of his career. This included his stint with Lintas India in Mumbai and contact advertising in Delhi. He also tried his hand at filmmaking before entering the government spectrum in 1989.

Vikram Misri's journey with the Indian Foreign Service

Vikram Misri joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1989 and served in various capacities between 1991 and 1996. Vikram was a part of the core teams during India's missions in Brussels and Tunis. Soon after, in 1997, he was appointed the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. As a part of the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of External Affairs, Vikram successfully served in several Indian missions abroad. Seeing his commitment to the country's welfare, he was appointed the private secretary to former late Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh in 2012. Two years later, when Narendra Modi took his oath as the Prime Minister of India, he also kept Vikram in his team, considering his impeccable work record. This continuance named him among the few diplomats who have served under three different Prime Ministers. 

During his tenure, Vikram Misri worked closely with Foreign Ministers I.K. Gujral and Pranab Mukherjee. He served on the Pakistan desk at the Ministry of External Affairs. He also played a pivotal role in international assignments and ambassadorial positions. These included missions and conversations with Spain, Myanmar, and China. He was also posted as a Deputy High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and Consul General in Munich. From January 2022 to June 2024, he served as Deputy National Security Adviser, handling Strategic Affairs. His diplomatic footprint spans over four continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. However, one of his most prominent contributions came in 2020. He was at the centre of diplomatic efforts during the Indo-China conflicts at the time.

Vikram Misri's contribution to the country as the 35th Foreign Secretary of India

It was on June 28, 2024, when it was officially announced that Vikram Misri would be succeeding Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the Foreign Secretary of India. On July 15, 2024, he assumed the position and became the 35th Foreign Secretary of India. 'Operation Sindoor' was the first major mission after he took the position at the office. 

Vikram Misri faced backlash post-ceasefire understanding with Pakistan

On May 10, 2025, Vikram Misri shared the understanding the two nations, India and Pakistan, had arrived on after being in a tense situation for four days. For the unversed, after India's precision attack on Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's terrorist infrastructure, Pakistan's army cowardly attacked the Indian military and civilian structures on the night of May 7, 2025, which escalated the matter. The Foreign Secretary of India informed the media and the citizens that after a lengthy conversation and consideration, India and Pakistan agreed to stop all military actions on land, in the air, and at sea with immediate effect.

Vikram Misri was assigned the task of sharing the developments with the citizens during a press conference. However, many war-mongers were not happy with the news and directed their disappointment and rage towards Vikram and his family. For the unversed, Vikram is married to Dolly Misri and shares two children with her. The trolling escalated, and users started targeting Vikram Misri’s daughter, Didon Misri, who lives in London and works at the global law firm, Herbert Smith Freehills. She was accused of helping Rohingya refugees as a part of her work. The trolls leaked her social media posts, and even released the personal contact details of the Misri family. Vikram didn't directly react to the backlash but locked his Twitter on May 11, 2025. Soon, politicians, diplomats and other netizens also came forward to defend Vikram Misri against the toxic hate.

Vikram Misri's contribution to the Indian administration has truly been beyond commendable. What are your thoughts on his tenure? Let us know.

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