Who is Vikram Misri? The diplomat shaping India’s voice amid India Pakistan tensions

Vikram Misri, who is currently being praised for his composed and objective approach in sensitive situations, was appointed as the 35th Foreign Secretary on 15 July 2024. Vikram Misri was seen at the forefront of India's response during a recent combat-like situation between India and Pakistan. After the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, as a retaliatory combat following the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, Vikram Misri has been frequently appearing on camera for India's press briefings, alongside Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. His calm and composed conduct helped reassure the nation during a tense time. Let’s learn more about his life and background.

Also Read: Meet Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, first woman to lead an Indian military contingent abroad

Early life and education of Vikram Misri

Vikram Misri was born in Srinagar. He completed his early education at Burn Hall School and DAV School in Srinagar, and Carmel Convent School in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. He finished his schooling at Scindia School in Gwalior.

Higher education

Misri earned a Bachelor's degree with Honours in History from Hindu College, University of Delhi. He also holds an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur.

Professional background

Before joining the government, Misri worked in the private sector for three years. He was involved in advertising with Lintas India in Bombay and Contract Advertising in Delhi, and also worked on advertising film-making.

Fellowships and languages

Misri is a Fellow of the Aspen Institute USA's India Leadership Initiative (now known as the Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship). He speaks fluent Hindi, English, and Kashmiri, and has a working knowledge of French.

Who is Vikram Misri? A look at his diplomatic career

Vikram Misri is a career diplomat from the 1989 batch of the Indian Foreign Service. He has held various roles in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister's Office, and Indian missions abroad in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America.

Major Assignments: Worked with Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi & Pranab Mukherjee

Vikram Misri has worked on the Pakistan desk at the Ministry of External Affairs and supported two Foreign Ministers (I.K. Gujral and Pranab Mukherjee). He served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office and was Private Secretary to three Prime Ministers: I.K. Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi.

International postings

• Misri has served in several countries, including:
• Brussels
• Tunis
• Islamabad
• Washington D.C.
• Sri Lanka (as Deputy High Commissioner)
• Munich (as Consul General)
• Ambassadorial Roles
• Misri held the following ambassadorial positions:
• Ambassador to Spain (2014)
• Ambassador to Myanmar (2016)
• Ambassador to China (2019-2021)

Vikram Misri's recent role

Before becoming Foreign Secretary, Misri served as Deputy National Security Adviser (Strategic Affairs) from January 2022 to June 2024. Vikram Misri was appointed India’s 35th foreign secretary on July 15, 2024