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Published : 30 Sep 2025, 07:46 PM
Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot has emerged as a powerful voice for India on the global stage after delivering a sharp response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Representing India’s right of reply, Gahlot took apart Sharif’s remarks on Operation Sindoor and terrorism, accusing Pakistan of “glorifying terrorism and shielding terror groups”.
But beyond the podium and diplomacy, who is Gahlot?
According to a report by NDTV, Gahlot currently serves as first secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, a post she assumed in July 2023.
She was elevated to advisor in September 2024, reflecting her growing stature in India’s diplomatic ranks.
Before her UN assignment, Gahlot served as undersecretary in the ministry of External Affairs’ European West Division from 2020 to 2023.
During this time, she was also posted at Indian diplomatic missions in Paris and San Francisco, where she built expertise in multilateral relations and foreign policy strategy.
Gahlot’s academic background mirrors her international role.
The report noted that she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Sociology, and French Literature from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai (2005–2010).
She pursued her Master’s in Political Science at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi (2010–2012), and later completed a second Master’s degree in Language Interpretation and Translation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, USA (2018–2020).
UNGA SHOWDOWN
During India’s right of reply at the UNGA, the report said, Gahlot accused Pakistan of attempting to portray defeat as victory while shielding terrorist outfits.
She reminded the assembly that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s military had “pleaded” with India to halt hostilities after its airbases were devastated.
“If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangars look like victory, as the prime minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it,” Gahlot reportedly said in a sharp rebuttal.
The Indian outlet said she highlighted Pakistan’s efforts at the UN Security Council earlier this year to protect The Resistance Front (TRF), responsible for the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
She reportedly said Islamabad had exported terrorism while sheltering Osama bin Laden for a decade, despite claiming to be a partner in the global fight against terror.
Reiterating India's consistent stance, she stressed that all outstanding issues with Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally, leaving no room for any third party.
The report said Gahlot challenged Sharif's call for dialogue, insisting that Pakistan must first dismantle terror camps and hand over wanted terrorists.
