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“No Prior Warning to Pakistan”: Vikram Misri Briefs MPs on Military Strikes

May 20, 2025, 2:27 am

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri informed a parliamentary committee on Monday that India’s recent standoff with Pakistan was all in the conventional space and included no “nuclear signalling” from the other side, and that the military brass communicated only with Islamabad after Operation Sindoor had been launched, people familiar with the developments said.

During a parliamentary committee on external affairs meeting, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, the foreign secretary stated that Pakistan made the ceasefire offer and that no other nation was a party to the talks, according to a senior legislator.

Misri Rejects Trump’s Mediation Claim

He was asked by many parliamentarians about US President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington had helped India and Pakistan “settle” the “problem”.

“New Delhi had routine talks with the US but there was no mediation,” Misri said, according to the lawmaker. He also found strong support from the lawmakers, over his family coming under attack on social media.

A few Opposition MPs also asked Misri why Jaishankar was heard saying in a video that India had sent a message to Pakistan at the beginning of Operation Sindoor.

Misri stood by Jaishankar and explained that people”misunderstood the context”, according to a party functionary, who did not want to be named. He informed the panel that the Indian director general of military operations communicated with his Pakistani counterpart upon the beginning of Operation Sindoor, according to the functionary.

Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism and MEA’s Rebuttal

Misri made the comments hours after Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, made a new attack on external affairs minister S Jaishankar, stating that the latter’s silence on how many planes India “lost” in the military strikes under Operation Sindoor was “damning”.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has already refuted the allegations first made over the weekend and described Gandhi’s claims that Jaishankar acknowledged India having alerted Pakistan before the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7 as “utter misrepresentation”. The Bharatiya Janata Party accused Gandhi of “speaking the language of Pakistan”.

Details of Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor was India’s direct military action against the April 22 terror attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir that took the lives of 26 civilians in what was the worst civilian massacre since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

India initiated the operation in the early hours of May 7 with nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) being bombed. The early morning attacks which claimed the lives of at least 100 terrorists triggered a cycle of counter-attacks and attacks along the western frontier, with fighter jets, missiles, armed drones, and intense artillery and rocket exchanges. On one such counter-attack on May 9-10 night, the air force attacked 13 Pakistani airbases and military targets. The military hostilities were halted after four days of conflict on May 10 when the two countries reached an understanding.

Misri Faces Parliamentary Panel’s Questions

Misri made his first appearance in front of the 31-member parliamentary panel. The session lasted for over three hours as members posed a barrage of questions to the foreign secretary.

Misri was queried if Indian warplanes were brought down and why the Indian government was providing the centre stage to Trump and not denying the US President’s assertions, said the above-mentioned functionary. Misri did not provide any response to such questions, this individual added.

The experienced foreign service officer also received strong backing from the panel on the social media assaults on his family, particularly his daughter, attorney Didon Misri.

“There was even a desire to have a resolution expressing solidarity with the foreign secretary in the face of the unwarranted attacks on him. He himself requested there should be no resolution. But it was a unanimous sentiment of the committee that he has done a good service for the nation and we all stand with him,” Tharoor said after the meeting.

MPs Raise Questions on Missiles, IMF Loan, and International Support

Some parliamentarians questioned Misri about the use of Chinese missiles by the Pakistani military, according to functionaries. “It doesn’t matter. We have hammered them,” the foreign secretary retorted.

Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda questioned the number of aircraft that crashed, but Misri stuck to his guns saying only the ministry of defence could confirm that. Hooda also queried the International Monetary Fund loan obtained by Pakistan during the course of the conflict, the person added. The foreign secretary replied that other nations too have interactions with Pakistan when he was questioned as to why no big nation supported India, the functionary added.

India-Turkey Relations Brought Up by Owaisi

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi pointed out India and Turkey’s historical links to Mistri and inquired whether the relationship can be repaired in the wake of Istanbul’s support for Islamabad. The foreign secretary replied that in the past India didn’t share “a good relationship” with Turkey and there was no possibility of improvement in the near term. He, however, declined to comment on the calls for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Banerjee, Brittas Question Response and US Role in Ceasefire

Trinamool Congress’s Abhishek Banerjee questioned Misri why Indian troops could not apprehend the four terrorists who had killed 26 individuals in Pahalgam, the individual said.

Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s John Brittas questioned how the US declared the ceasefire ahead of India, and it did know. Misri replied that India did not inform the US, stated the party cadre.

After the meeting, Tharoor said “many MPs had thoughtful questions to ask. It was a very thorough, wide ranging discussion. We had 24 members attending which was a record I think,” he said.

Misri’s briefing came days before seven Indian delegations embark on their travels to international capitals to disseminate India’s stance on Operation Sindoor.

Pahalgam Attack Probe: Terrorists Had Direct Links With Pakistani Masterminds, Misri Tells Parliament Panel

May 20, 2025, 1:10 am

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on Monday, released crucial information in the investigation of the Pahalgam terror attack. According to him, the terrorists were directly in touch with handlers in Pakistan.

Quoting reports, PTI quoted Misri as stating, “UN-designated terrorists walk free in Pakistan, continue to foment violence against India.” He underscored the existence of a robust nexus comprising terrorists, Pakistan’s military intelligence, and civilian administration.

Terror Infrastructure in Pakistan ‘Well Established’

Misri referred to Pakistan’s terror network as “well established, based on sound facts and evidence,” citing its long history of instigating trouble in India. The statement comes just as 12 people, including a YouTuber, were arrested last week in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on charges of espionage.

Investigations indicate that these suspects belonged to a Pakistan-connected spy network that was active throughout northern India. The disclosure further lends credence to India’s suspicions about clandestine Pakistani activity.

Operation Sindoor and Ceasefire Agreement

The committee sitting was against the context of Operation Sindoor, which was initiated by Indian troops in response to the Pahalgam attack. The Indian army hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the operation, reportedly killing almost 100 terrorists. Major hideouts of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen were also targeted.

Though there was a military buildup, Misri explained that the India-Pakistan conflict continued to be conventional, since “There was no indication of nuclear signalling from Pakistan.” He reiterated that the ceasefire was a two-way decision, not affected by third parties—implicitly responding to opposition queries regarding US President Donald Trump’s previous assertion of facilitating a ceasefire.

High-Level Attendance in Parliament Panel Meeting

The session was presided over by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and other prominent political leaders like Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Rajeev Shukla and Deepender Hooda (Congress), Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM), and BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi and Arun Govil.

Misri’s revelations underscore the seriousness of the danger emanating from Pakistan-based terrorist groups and put India’s continuous efforts to counter these threats through both military and diplomatic means into perspective.

‘US Played No Role in Operation Sindoor’, Parliamentary Panel Informed: Sources

May 19, 2025, 7:00 pm

Recent talks regarding Operation Sindoor and the follow-up ceasefire between India and Pakistan have generated considerable global interest. It is important, however, to establish that the United States was not involved in India’s military retaliation against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Indian officials informed the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, emphasizing that India had taken independent action to destroy nine terror camps within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and managed to counter Islamabad’s missile-drone counterattack successfully.

Pakistan Made Ceasefire Demand After Operation Sindoor

It was Pakistan, contrary to some reports, that made the demand for a ceasefire after India launched precision strikes against its military bases, such as a China-made missile defense facility in Lahore and the strategically located Nur Khan airbase.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs unanimously condemns trolling of Foreign Secy Vikram Misri, praises his work: Sources. pic.twitter.com/n1qqf23VLb

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 19, 2025

The Parliamentary Committee, led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, was told that Pakistan’s Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) phoned his Indian counterpart in the afternoon of May 10 to beg for a halt in hostilities. This effort reflects Pakistan’s recognition of the pressure India has generated through its decisive military action.

Diplomatic Briefing and Regional Implications

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri brought Members of Parliament up to speed regarding the latest diplomatic interaction with Pakistan, the cross-border security issues ongoing since Operation Sindoor, and the larger regional stability implications. The ceasefire agreement, signed on May 12—48 hours after the DGMO’s telephone call—has no ‘expiry date.’ India has agreed to respect the ceasefire without end if Pakistan respects its terms under the agreement.

Rejection of External Mediation and Trump’s Assertions

Despite the confirmed ceasefire, former US President Donald Trump claimed multiple times that his administration influenced Pakistan to seek peace with India, even threatening to withhold American trade to secure the agreement. India issued a firm six-point rebuttal outlining the timeline and factual sequence of events, reaffirming that the ceasefire resulted solely from India and Pakistan’s direct communication.

Yet, Trump continued, saying he “sure as hell helped.” NDTV was assured that no trade concessions were given in return for the truce. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar went on to highlight constant talks over a “complex” agreement, further saying that “nothing is decided till everything is.”

India has also summarily turned down any proposal by the US to facilitate a settlement of the Kashmir issue, asserting that outside intervention is not welcome. Indian officials have invariably demanded that dialogue with Pakistan on Kashmir will be initiated only after terrorist networks are destroyed and illegally held Indian land is vacated.

India’s Clear Stand on Sovereignty and Security

India’s strong military action in Operation Sindoor and diplomatic management of the ceasefire exhibit a clear message: India acts independently and forcefully to protect its sovereignty. The narrative that external forces manipulated the ceasefire undercuts India’s strategic autonomy as well as regional leadership.

In the future, India anticipates Pakistan to implement the terms of the ceasefire in its entirety while dismissing any efforts at internationalizing and mediating its bilateral dispute over Kashmir.

Why Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri & His Daughter Faced Vicious Trolling | TDG Explainer

May 12, 2025, 4:08 pm

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, India’s most distinguished diplomat, has been targeted by despicable online abuse after his contribution to the announcement of a ceasefire deal with Pakistan. Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh have been updating the media on Operation Sindoor, a key response operation after the Pahalgam terror attack.

But when the ceasefire deal became public, social media users started going after Misri with personal abuses. To everybody’s surprise, the abuse escalated to his daughter, Didon Misri, leading the Foreign Secretary to lock his X (previously Twitter) account.

Why the Trolling Began Against Vikram Misri

On May 10, India and Pakistan mutually agreed to suspend all military activity on land, sea, and air. The move, following four intense days of drone and missile bombardments, was announced by Foreign Secretary Misri in a press conference.

He said that the Directors General of Military Operations of both nations had sat down and would continue to meet. This ceasefire, regarded as a diplomatic breakthrough by most, infuriated some right-wing sections on the net who had insisted on a resounding retaliatory attack on Pakistan. Misri, being the face of the announcement, felt the brunt of their wrath.

The trolling grew more aggressive when users started attacking his daughter, Didon Misri, who lives in London and works for international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. Allegations that she had offered legal assistance to Rohingya refugees prompted a torrent of hate, including doxxing and abuse.

Criticism from Across the Political Divide

As the trolling mounted, a number of politicians, diplomats, and associations came out in defense of Misri.

The IAS Association stated, “The IAS Association stands in solidarity with Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, & his family. Unwarranted personal attacks on civil servants serving their nation with integrity are regrettable.”

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi tweeted, “Mr Vikram Misri is a good and an honest hard-working diplomat working day and night for our Nation. Our civil servants work under the Executive…they shouldn’t be held responsible for the decisions made by…any Political leadership operating Watan E Aziz.”

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

The IRTS Association also denounced the trolling: “We request everyone to uphold respect and decorum, considering his devoted service and immense contributions towards the nation.”

Diplomats and Bureaucrats Come Out in Support of Vikram Misri

Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao did not mince words. “It’s shameful to troll Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family…Doxxing his daughter and harassing his loved ones crosses every line of decency,” she stated. “Stand united behind our diplomats, not tear them down.”

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

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, while talking to NDTV, remarked, “I can’t understand who on earth would troll and why? What could they be critical of, and what could these people have done differently or better?”

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav further stated that such abuse demoralises officials serving the nation with dedication. He also criticized the BJP government for failing to act against hate spreaders.

Other senior bureaucrats, such as V Srinivas, Secretary of Administrative Reforms, and Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs, highlighted Misri’s commitment and demanded respect for civil servants.

Even comedian Vir Das came to Misri’s defence, writing, “Vikram Misri was amazing, so were Colonel Sophiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Wyomika Singh. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.”

A Dignified Career Under Attack

Vikram Misri’s credentials make the trolling even more baffling. Born in Srinagar in 1964, he began his diplomatic journey on the Pakistan desk at the Ministry of External Affairs after joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1989.

Over the years, he served as private secretary to three prime ministers: IK Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi. Between January 2022 and June 2024, Misri served as Deputy National Security Adviser.

His selection as Foreign Secretary on July 15, 2024, was generally interpreted as an acknowledgment of his diplomatic acumen and strategic insight. He has served in the most sensitive geopolitical environments, so no one can question his integrity.

The Bigger Question: Where Is Accountability?

Notwithstanding the publicized backing for Misri, the Ministry of External Affairs has thus far failed to come out with an official denunciation of the maltreatment. Such silence is worrying in regards to the exposure of public servants and their families in the age of digital media.

Social media, while a tool of democracy, has increasingly become a breeding ground for hate and disinformation. The doxxing of Misri’s daughter and the lack of official action signal a troubling normalization of online abuse against civil servants.

Public servants operate under the direction of elected governments. Blaming them for national policy decisions reflects a dangerous misunderstanding of how democratic governance works.

“Outstanding Job”: Tharoor Defends Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Against Online Attacks

May 12, 2025, 11:34 am

In an alarming trend that promises to corrode public service integrity, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has faced intense and unreasonable vitriol in the wake of his announcement of the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement. The agreement, which prevented further escalation after four days of unabated cross-border missile and drone attacks, was welcomed across the globe. But, at home, Misri has been harassed with unwarranted trolling, varying from hateful remarks to doxxing his family members.

Political and Diplomatic Support Increases to Vikram Misri

Top Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was one of the first to denounce the attacks as “preposterous.” In an NDTV exclusive interview, Tharoor stated, “I think young Vikram Misri has done an outstanding job. He has worked very hard, very long hours and is an extremely hardworking and effective voice for India, along with the two women officers [Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi] who spoke very calmly and professionally without any hysteria in a wonderfully impressive way.”

Tharoor questioned the motives behind the trolling and emphasized the professionalism with which Misri and his colleagues handled one of the most volatile diplomatic moments in recent history.

Role of Vikram Misri in Defusing a Crisis

On May 10, Foreign Secretary Misri revealed that India and Pakistan had decided to suspend all military hostilities on land, air, and sea. This was after an important discussion between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries. Misri assured that further talks would be held, with the second round of talks to be held on May 12.

But one Facebook post by US President Donald Trump, stating that Washington had brokered the truce, cast a shadow of doubt. While the Ministry of External Affairs remained silent, trolls pounced on the opportunity to unfairly blame Misri for diplomatic weakness.

Civil Services Rally Behind Misri

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Association released a stern statement, stating, “The IRTS Association strongly condemns unwarranted abuse and personal attacks against Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and his family.” The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) also added, “We urge everyone to maintain respect and decorum, acknowledging his dedicated service and significant contributions towards the nation.”

This solidarity was seconded by AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, who reminded people that “civil servants work under the executive” and cannot be held responsible for its actions. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also condemned the hate, cautioning that such attacks could demoralize sincere officers. “It is the government’s duty to take decisions – not individual officers,” he said.

A Dangerous Precedent

The silence of the BJP ruling government on the issue has also raised more eyebrows. As Yadav said, “Neither the BJP government nor its ministers are stepping forward to save his honour and respect, nor holding discussions on possible action against those who make such unwanted posts.”

Seasoned diplomats, such as Nirupama Menon Rao, have also reacted with horror at the implication that this trolling is a new norm. Not only does it threaten the officers’ personal lives, but it also compromises the integrity and morale of India’s diplomatic system.

As India enters a more complicated geopolitical environment, the professionalism of officers such as Vikram Misri should be respected and preserved, rather than mocked. It is not merely about standing up for one individual, but about defending the dignity and sovereignty of Indian diplomacy itself.

Vikram Misri Trolled for Doing His Job—India’s Diplomats Deserve Better

May 11, 2025, 9:11 pm

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, India’s most experienced diplomat, got heavily trolled on X (previously Twitter) after his comments on Pakistan’s breaches of the recently negotiated ceasefire. On Saturday evening, Misri said that Pakistan had violated the agreement just hours after the ceasefire came into force and explained that India’s military was already retaliating against the breach. While stating that India would respond strongly to future violations, he also asserted that the nation had not backed out of the ceasefire agreement.

Misri’s balanced statement sparked outrage on social media, where users criticized him for not adopting a more aggressive stance against Pakistan. Despite his decades-long service and deep experience, including previous roles as India’s Ambassador to China and Deputy National Security Adviser, Misri found himself at the receiving end of vitriol, ultimately prompting him to lock his long-standing X account.

Family Also Dragged Into Online Hate

Disturbing as it was, the trolling did not end with Misri himself. His daughter, Didon Misri—now residing in London and working for international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills—was also on the receiving end. Netizens trolled her for giving legal advice to Rohingya refugees as part of her job. The overt instance of doxxing and personal harassment invited almost universal condemnation from leading political and diplomatic figures.

Public Support From Leaders and Diplomats

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi publicly expressed support for Misri. “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 and they shouldn’t be blamed for the decisions taken by The Executive/or any Political leadership running Watan E Aziz,” Owaisi posted on X.

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

Ex-Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao also criticized the attacks. “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 daughter and abusing his loved ones crosses every line of decency. This toxic hate must stop—stand united behind our diplomats, not tear them down,” she tweeted.

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

A Call to Respect India’s Diplomats

This incident is a cause for concern regarding the poisoned digital space that leaves no one behind, not even national servants serving in the interest of the nation. It is critical that there be civil discourse and that India stand by its diplomats, particularly when they are protecting national honor during complicated international challenges.

India Rejects Claims of Non-Cooperation in Deportation Cases

February 8, 2025, 1:23 am

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday strongly refuted claims that India is uncooperative in handling deportations, stating that the process is not new and follows legal and security protocols. His comments echoed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s statement in Parliament, emphasizing that all returnees must be verified as Indian citizens.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Misri confirmed that India has sought and received details from the U.S. authorities regarding 298 individuals out of 487 presumed Indian citizens with final removal orders. He reiterated that India has been transparent in its discussions with U.S. counterparts.

Use of Military Aircraft for Deportation

When asked about the recent deportation of illegal Indian immigrants via a military aircraft, Misri acknowledged that this case was unusual compared to previous deportations, which typically follow a different process.

Concerns Over Mistreatment of Deportees

Misri also addressed concerns regarding the treatment of deported Indian citizens, stating that India has taken up the matter with the U.S. government.

“We continue to emphasize to U.S. authorities that there should be no mistreatment of deportees. Any reported instances will be taken up seriously,” he assured.

India’s Stand on Restraints Used During Deportations

Jaishankar, in his statement, highlighted that the use of restraints on deportees has been a standard procedure since 2012, as per the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, he noted that:

Women and children are not restrained.
Basic needs such as food, medical attention, and toilet breaks are provided.

Misri further stated that India is engaging with the U.S. to ensure fair treatment of deported individuals and to take strict action against illegal immigration networks.

85 Indians Discharged from Russian Army, India Working for the Release of 20 More

October 21, 2024, 9:57 pm

A total of 85 Indian nationals recruited by the Russian military have been discharged, with authorities working for the release of another 20 citizens, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday.

Misri stated that India understands that nearly 20 individuals remain in the Russian military. The release of these remaining Indians is expected to be discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS Summit in Kazan on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The repatriation of Indian nationals, who served as support staff such as cooks and helpers with Russian military units, has become a significant issue for New Delhi following the death of at least nine Indians on the front lines of the Ukraine war. Modi had previously raised the matter with Putin during their meeting at the India-Russia Summit in Moscow in July.

The Indian government is maintaining close contact with Russia’s foreign and defense ministries regarding the release of Indians who were “illegally or otherwise” contracted to fight in the Russian Army, Misri explained during a media briefing on Modi’s visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit.

“Our current understanding is that about 85 individuals have returned from Russia. Unfortunately, some mortal remains of those who lost their lives in the conflict have also been repatriated,” he said. Misri added, “We are pushing for the early discharge of all remaining Indians still in the armed forces.”

In September, it was reported that the release of these individuals was delayed as the Russian defense ministry had yet to annul their military contracts. In August, the Russian embassy in New Delhi announced that the recruitment of Indian nationals into Russia’s armed forces had ceased in April, and efforts were underway for the early discharge of those who had “voluntarily contracted for military service.”

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Indian authorities have noted that many Indians recruited into the Russian military were misled by unscrupulous recruitment agents. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities for their alleged role in recruiting Indians and has made several arrests.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Visits Nepal To Boost Bilateral Ties

August 11, 2024, 6:49 pm

Kathmandu: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Nepal on Sunday for a two-day visit, aiming to enhance the relationship between India and Nepal. The visit focuses on advancing mutually beneficial ties and discussing future collaborations.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Misri was warmly welcomed by his Nepalese counterpart, Sewa Lamsal, upon arrival. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu highlighted the visit as part of regular high-level exchanges, reinforcing India’s Neighbourhood First policy. Misri is set to meet with Prime Minister K P Oli, President Ram Chandra Poudel, and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana during his visit.

Advancing Cooperation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the visit reflects India’s priority on strengthening ties with Nepal. Discussions between the two Foreign Secretaries will cover various areas for enhancing cooperation and advancing mutual benefits.

Historic and Cultural Connections

India and Nepal share centuries-old cultural and people-to-people connections. With Indian assistance, many significant infrastructure and connectivity projects have been completed in Nepal. These initiatives have strengthened bilateral collaborations, contributing to high-level exchanges and continued partnership between the two nations.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri To Make First Foreign Visit To Bhutan On July 19

July 18, 2024, 1:36 pm

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is all set to depart on his first foreign visit to Bhutan on June 15. According to sources familiar with the matter, foreign secretary Vikram Misri’s upcoming visit to Bhutan this week will prioritize discussions on the Bhutan-China border negotiations and India’s assistance for Bhutan’s development programs.

The External Affairs Ministry announced that Vikram Misri, who assumed office as Foreign Secretary on July 15, will undertake an official visit to Bhutan from July 19 to July 20.

During his visit, Misri is scheduled to meet with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, and hold discussions with his counterpart Pema Choden.

The two foreign secretaries will jointly lead the bilateral Development Cooperation Talks focusing on Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan, the ministry announced.

Indian support constitutes the primary funding source for Bhutan’s five-year plans, with New Delhi providing Rs. 5,000 crore for the 12th plan from 2018 to 2023. During a visit to Bhutan in March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that this assistance would be doubled to Rs. 10,000 crore for the next five years.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that Misri’s upcoming visit presents an opportunity for Bhutan to update India on the latest developments regarding its discussions with China to resolve a longstanding border dispute.

Under the previous Bhutanese government led by Lotay Tshering, efforts were reportedly nearing completion on a border agreement with China that could impact the strategic Doklam tri-junction, situated near the “chicken’s neck” — a narrow strip connecting India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country.

The current government of Bhutan’s People’s Democratic Party, elected in January, is said to have adopted a fresh approach to the border negotiations.

The visit by Misri aligns with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges and underscores India’s strong commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy, as highlighted by the Ministry of External Affairs.