**Who is Petal Gahlot, India’s UN Diplomat Who Schooled Pakistan**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 04:56 PM*
**Introduction**
Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, has recently emerged as a prominent figure in India’s diplomatic engagements, especially in response to Pakistan’s claims. She delivered a strong rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assertions regarding “Operation Sindoor” and the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions during her address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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**Diplomatic Rebuttal at the UNGA**
In her forceful address, Gahlot accused Pakistan of “once again glorifying terrorism.” She highlighted Pakistan’s attempts to portray defeat as victory by referencing “Operation Sindoor,” during which Pakistan’s military reportedly pleaded with India to halt its strikes after key airbases were destroyed.
“If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it,” she retorted sharply.
Gahlot also called out Pakistan for harboring terrorist groups such as The Resistance Front (TRF), which was responsible for the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasized Islamabad’s long-standing role in exporting terrorism, reminding the assembly of Pakistan’s decade-long sheltering of Osama bin Laden while simultaneously claiming to combat global terrorism.
Concluding her address, she reiterated India’s stance that all issues with Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally, without any third-party involvement.
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**Career Path and Professional Journey**
Petal Gahlot joined India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in July 2023. Before this role, she served as Undersecretary in the Ministry of External Affairs’ European West Division from June 2020 to July 2023.
Her diplomatic experience extends to postings in India’s missions in Paris and San Francisco. Gahlot is recognized for her articulate and firm representation of India’s interests on the global stage.
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**Educational Background and Personal Interests**
Gahlot boasts an impressive academic background:
– Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Sociology, and French Literature from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (2005–2010).
– Master’s degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi (2010–2012).
– Master’s degree in Language Interpretation and Translation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Monterey, USA (2018–2020).
Beyond her diplomatic career, Gahlot is an avid musician who frequently shares guitar performances on social media, showcasing her diverse talents.
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**Conclusion**
Petal Gahlot’s sharp and informed rebuttal at the UNGA highlights her role as a key voice in India’s diplomatic engagements. Her combination of strong academic credentials, extensive diplomatic experience, and personal passions paints the picture of a well-rounded and impactful representative for India on the world stage.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/who-is-petal-gahlot-diplomat-who-responded-sharply-to-sharif/story
