Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, has gained attention for her sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the UNGA. A seasoned diplomat with academic excellence across India and the United States, Gahlot is also known for her passion for music alongside her diplomatic career.
Petal Gahlot: The Diplomat Who Spoke For India
At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot delivered a strong and uncompromising response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks on India. Gahlot, exercising India’s “right of reply,” accused Pakistan of glorifying terrorism and distorting facts about Operation Sindoor and cross-border tensions.
Her pointed words not only countered Sharif’s assertions but also highlighted India’s consistent stance that all disputes with Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally and cannot involve third-party mediation.
A Career Built On Diplomacy And Dedication
Petal Gahlot currently serves as First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, a position she took up in July 2023. Just over a year later, in September 2024, she was elevated as an Advisor at the UN, showcasing her rapid rise in India’s diplomatic corps.
Before her New York posting, she worked as an Undersecretary in the Ministry of External Affairs’ European West Division (2020–2023). During this tenure, she gained international exposure through assignments at India’s missions in Paris and San Francisco.
Her career reflects a blend of strong academic training, field assignments, and multilingual expertise that have made her a key voice at global forums.
Academic Journey Across Borders
Gahlot’s educational background stands out for its diversity. She earned a BA in Political Science, Sociology, and French Literature from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (2005–2010). She later pursued a Master’s in Political Science at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi (2010–2012).
Her quest for deeper expertise took her to the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, United States (2018–2020), where she completed a Master’s degree in Language Interpretation and Translation. This training gave her an edge in cross-cultural communication and diplomacy.
A Passion Beyond Diplomacy
While diplomacy remains her profession, Petal Gahlot is also a talented musician. She often shares guitar performances on social media, covering songs ranging from Bella Ciao to Bollywood classics like Kabira. Her artistic side offers a refreshing contrast to her diplomatic role and has drawn appreciation from audiences online.
The Scathing Reply At UNGA
During her reply at the UN, Gahlot accused Pakistan of:
- Shielding terrorist groups such as The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to civilian killings in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Glorifying terrorism, including providing refuge to Osama bin Laden while claiming to be a partner in the fight against terror.
- Distorting facts about Operation Sindoor, where she reminded the assembly that Pakistan’s military had pleaded for India to stop after suffering heavy losses.
Her sharp remark, “If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it,” quickly resonated across diplomatic circles and Indian media.
India’s Consistent Stand
Reiterating India’s long-standing position, Gahlot stressed that all issues with Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally. She also emphasized that meaningful dialogue cannot proceed until Islamabad dismantles terror camps and brings wanted terrorists to justice.