New Delhi: Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Petal Gahlot, a 2015-batch officer and First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, has drawn attention after delivering India’s Right of Reply at the UN General Assembly in response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty and India-Pakistan relations.
Gahlot reiterated India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir and criticised Pakistan’s references to peace, democracy and human rights. She also raised India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism and said that continued terrorism from Pakistan would have consequences. Current reports confirm that Gahlot delivered India’s response following Sharif’s UNGA address.
What Did Petal Gahlot Say at the UN?
Responding to Pakistan’s remarks, Gahlot said India’s position on terrorism remained clear and that Pakistan should take action against terrorist infrastructure and individuals wanted in India if it was sincere about peace.
She also reiterated India’s position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of India.
Gahlot further referred to the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and raised concerns over human rights and the treatment of minorities in Pakistan.
Her response came after Sharif raised the Kashmir issue and referred to the Indus Waters Treaty during his UN General Assembly address.
Gahlot Raises Cross-Border Terrorism Issue
A major part of Gahlot’s response focused on India’s allegations of cross-border terrorism.
She said that if Pakistan wanted peace, it should shut down terrorist camps operating from its territory and hand over terrorists wanted in India.
Gahlot also referred to Osama bin Laden, noting that he had been found living in Abbottabad, near Pakistan’s premier military academy. She used the reference while questioning Pakistan’s claims regarding security and terrorism.
India’s response also asserted the country’s right to defend itself against terrorism and warned that continued terrorism would have consequences.
India Responds to Pakistan’s Remarks on Kashmir
Sharif’s comments on Jammu and Kashmir also drew a response from the Indian delegation.
Gahlot reiterated New Delhi’s established position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of India.
She also shifted attention to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, referring to protests and allegations concerning rights and governance in the region.
These remarks formed part of India’s broader response to Pakistan’s UNGA address.
Who Is Petal Gahlot?
Petal Gahlot is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer serving at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
She joined the IFS in 2015 and has held assignments at the Ministry of External Affairs as well as Indian diplomatic missions.
Gahlot joined India’s Permanent Mission to the UN as First Secretary in July 2023. Official records from the Permanent Mission show her delivering Indian statements at UN forums, including during the 2023 UN General Assembly.
Petal Gahlot’s MEA and Diplomatic Career
Before her posting in New York, Gahlot served in the Europe West Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.
According to reports, she worked as an Under Secretary from 2020 to 2023 before moving to the Indian mission in New York.
Her diplomatic experience has included work on international relations and India’s engagement with different countries and multilateral institutions.
Since joining the UN mission, she has represented India on a range of issues at the world body. Official UN records also list statements delivered by Gahlot at UN meetings.
Education: Political Science, Sociology and French
Gahlot has an academic background in political science and related subjects.
According to published profiles, she holds:
- BA in Political Science, Sociology and French Literature from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Master’s degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi
Her academic background in political science and international affairs has complemented her subsequent diplomatic career.
Petal Gahlot’s Interest in Music
Apart from diplomacy, Gahlot has also attracted attention for her interest in music.
She is a guitarist and has shared musical performances on social media. Published profiles have highlighted her rendition of the Italian song “Bella Ciao” among her musical interests.
Gahlot Also Responded to Sharif at UNGA in 2025
The latest response was not Gahlot’s first prominent Right of Reply involving Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
She had also represented India following Sharif’s UN General Assembly address in 2025, when Pakistan raised issues concerning the India-Pakistan conflict and Operation Sindoor.
In that response, Gahlot criticised Pakistan’s statements on terrorism and rejected its characterisation of the 2025 conflict. She also reiterated India’s position that bilateral issues between India and Pakistan should be addressed bilaterally.
The two consecutive appearances have brought greater public attention to Gahlot’s role as part of India’s diplomatic representation at the United Nations.
Petal Gahlot’s Role at the United Nations
Gahlot’s work at India’s UN mission has included participation in discussions covering development, international cooperation and other multilateral issues.
Official records of the Permanent Mission of India show her delivering statements at several UN forums, including the 78th UN General Assembly and other UN meetings.
Her latest Right of Reply has once again placed her in the spotlight amid renewed India-Pakistan exchanges at the UN General Assembly.
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