Petal Gahlot Leads India’s Strong Rebuttal to Pakistan at UN, Calls Out Terror Support and Distortion of Facts
Petal Gahlot is the first secretary of India's Permanent Mission to the UN. She strongly challenged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after his statement at the UN.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) September 27: Petal Gahlot is the first Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the UN. She has become the spokesperson for the nation's strong diplomatic reaction. This is after her harsh response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Gahlot used India's right of reply before the UNGA. It is to refute Sharif's claims regarding Operation Sindoor and the hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. She reportedly accused the Pakistani prime minister of having "once again glorified terrorism.”
Academic and Professional Background
Petal Gahlot is an accomplished diplomat. She is a woman with diverse experience in international relations, political science, and translation. In July 2023, she became the First Secretary of India's Permanent Mission to the UN. She was also named as UN advisor in September 2024.
She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Sociology, and French Literature from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. Gahlot did her Master's degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi.
She also attended the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. This was for completing a Master's degree in Language Interpretation and Translation.
Gahlot held the position of Undersecretary in the European West Division of the Ministry of External Affairs from June 2020 to July 2023 before her current position. According to She The People, she was also assigned to India's missions in Paris and San Francisco during this period.
Personal Interests and Public Presence
Gahlot also has a strong musical love. She frequently posts videos of herself on social media while playing the guitar. Her covers of songs like Bella Ciao, Lost On You, and Kabira from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani have garnered a lot of attention.
Firm Stand on Terrorism and Peace
Gahlot was delivering India's right of reply at the UN. She charged Pakistan with trying to turn loss into victory by spreading lies and providing cover for terrorist groups. She reportedly reminded the assembly that Pakistan's military had "pleaded" with India to end the fighting after its airbases were destroyed during Operation Sindoor.
She also highlights India’s zero-tolerance towards terrorism. She says, “The truth is that, as in the past, Pakistan is responsible for a terrorist attack on innocent civilians in India. We have exercised the right to defend our people against such actions and have brought the organisers and perpetrators to justice.”
Gahlot also replies to Pakistan PM’s want for peace with India. She says, “If he is indeed sincere, the pathway is clear. Pakistan must immediately shut down all terrorist camps and hand over to us the terrorists wanted in India.”
