**Who is Petal Gahlot, India’s UN Diplomat Who Schooled Pakistan**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 04:56 PM*
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**Introduction**
Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, has emerged as a prominent figure in India’s diplomatic discourse, notably delivering a strong and pointed response to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s claims regarding “Operation Sindoor” and ongoing Indo-Pak tensions.
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**Diplomatic Rebuttal at the UNGA**
During her recent address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Gahlot accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of “once again glorifying terrorism.” She challenged Pakistan’s narrative surrounding “Operation Sindoor,” stating that Pakistan’s military had actually pleaded with India to stop the operation after its airbases were destroyed.
Gahlot sharply remarked, “If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it.” Her address also highlighted Pakistan’s harboring of terrorist groups and its habit of spreading falsehoods while attempting to spin defeat as victory.
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**Allegations Against Pakistan**
Gahlot further condemned Pakistan for shielding The Resistance Front (TRF) at the UN Security Council—a group linked to the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. She accused Islamabad of exporting terrorism, recalling how the country sheltered Osama bin Laden for years despite claims to be fighting global terror.
Reiterating India’s firm stance, she emphasized that all issues between India and Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally, without the involvement of any third parties.
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**Career and Background**
Petal Gahlot joined India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in July 2023. Prior to this, she served as Undersecretary in the Ministry of External Affairs’ European West Division from June 2020 to July 2023. Her diplomatic career also includes postings at India’s missions in Paris and San Francisco.
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**Education and Personal Interests**
Gahlot has an impressive academic background. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Sociology, and French Literature from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (2005-2010). She then completed a Master’s degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi (2010-2012), followed by another Master’s in Language Interpretation and Translation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Monterey, USA (2018-2020).
Beyond her diplomatic work, Gahlot is an avid musician who shares guitar videos on social media, blending her professional life with her passion for music.
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**Conclusion**
Petal Gahlot’s articulate and forceful defense of India’s position at the UNGA has not only bolstered India’s diplomatic front but also highlighted her as an influential voice in international diplomacy. Her blend of academic excellence, diplomatic experience, and personal interests makes her a noteworthy figure in India’s global representation.
