New York / New Delhi: In a powerful rebuttal that has gone viral across global diplomatic circles, Petal Gahlot, a young Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 2015 batch, has delivered a firm, fearless, and factual response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Representing India as the First Secretary at its Permanent Mission to the UN, Gahlot invoked India’s “Right to Reply” and exposed Pakistan’s long-standing double standards on terrorism.
“If Pakistan Calls a Burnt Hangar a Victory, Let Them”
Responding to Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks that attempted to glorify a damaged Indian airbase, Petal Gahlot delivered a scathing critique –
“If Pakistan is calling a destroyed and burned-out airbase a victory, let them do so,” she said, referring to publicly available images of minor damage inflicted during past skirmishes. “This so-called victory is their illusion, just like their denials on harboring terrorism.”
“Terrorism Is the Cornerstone of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy”
Calling out Pakistan’s continued support for terror groups, Gahlot referenced the April 25, 2025 UN Security Council session where Pakistan defended The Resistance Front (TRF) – a banned, Pakistan-sponsored terrorist group responsible for the massacre of tourists in Jammu & Kashmir.
“This is the same Pakistan that hid Osama bin Laden for years and pretended to fight terrorism,” Gahlot added. “Their own ministers have admitted that Pakistan has been running terrorist camps for decades.”
She underlined that India will continue to retaliate when its citizens are attacked and reminded the global forum that “all issues will be resolved bilaterally – with no third-party involvement.”
Who is Petal Gahlot?
An Academic Powerhouse with an Artistic Soul
Born in New Delhi, Petal Gahlot completed her graduation in Political Science from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and pursued a master’s degree from Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), Delhi University. She secured an All India Rank of 96 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2014, joining the prestigious Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 2015.
Career Highlights
- Assistant Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs
- Third & Second Secretary, Indian Embassy in Paris
- Counsellor, Indian Consulate, San Francisco
- Under Secretary, European West Division, MEA
- Current Role: First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York
Ms Gahlot has also represented India in high-level global discussions on peace, security, and sustainable development.
The “Guitar Diplomat” – A Blend of Diplomacy and Creativity
Ms Gahlot isn’t just known for her diplomatic skills. She is also a gifted guitarist and singer, earning her the nickname “Guitar Diplomat.” Her viral renditions of “Bella Ciao” and “Lost On You” have garnered attention on social media, showing a creative side that humanizes diplomacy for many young Indians.
A Rising Star in Indian Diplomacy
Petal Gahlot represents a new era of Indian diplomats – bold, articulate, and grounded in facts. Her speech at the UNGA not only reasserted India’s position on terrorism but also solidified her as a rising voice on the global diplomatic stage. In an age where young professionals are reshaping India’s narrative abroad, Gahlot’s intervention was a masterclass in confidence, clarity, and conviction.
