**Who is Petal Gahlot, India’s UN Diplomat Who Schooled Pakistan**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 04:56 pm*
Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, has emerged as a prominent figure in India’s diplomatic engagement with Pakistan. She recently delivered a strong and pointed response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s claims regarding “Operation Sindoor” and the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions.
During her address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Gahlot accused Sharif of “once again glorifying terrorism,” firmly rebutting his narrative and highlighting the stark realities on the ground.
### Diplomatic Career and Background
Gahlot joined India’s Permanent Mission to the UN 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 career also includes significant stints at India’s missions in Paris and San Francisco.
Apart from her diplomatic pursuits, Gahlot is an avid musician who often shares guitar videos on social media, showcasing a creative side alongside her professional life.
### Education and Personal Interests
Petal Gahlot holds a diverse and impressive educational background. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Sociology, and French Literature from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (2005–2010). She then completed a Master’s in Political Science at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi (2010–2012).
Furthering her expertise, Gahlot obtained another Master’s degree in Language Interpretation and Translation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, USA (2018–2020).
### Powerful Rebuttal at the UNGA
In her UNGA address, Gahlot accused Pakistan of harboring terrorist groups and spreading misinformation to portray defeat as victory. Commenting on “Operation Sindoor,” she highlighted that Pakistan’s military had pleaded with India to stop after its airbases were destroyed.
“If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it,” Gahlot said, delivering a sharp and unambiguous rebuke.
### Allegations Against Pakistan
Gahlot also emphasized Pakistan’s shielding of The Resistance Front (TRF) at the UN Security Council—a group responsible for the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. She accused Islamabad of exporting terrorism and reminded the assembly of Pakistan’s decade-long sheltering of Osama bin Laden despite its claims of fighting global terror.
Reiterating India’s stance, Gahlot stressed that all issues with Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally without any third-party involvement.
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Petal Gahlot’s articulate and firm responses at the UN underscore India’s strong diplomatic messaging on terrorism and Indo-Pak relations, marking her as a key voice representing India on the international stage.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/who-is-petal-gahlot-diplomat-who-responded-sharply-to-sharif/story
