In a sharp rebuttal at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, tore into Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks on Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty.
Exercising India’s ‘right of reply’, Gahlot accused Islamabad of making terrorism the core of its foreign policy. She criticised Pakistan for ‘glorifying terrorism’ and indulging in what she described as ‘absurd theatrics’ before the global community.
Calling Out Pakistan on Terror Links
Gahlot directly named The Resistance Front (TRF), the group behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed multiple lives. She held Pakistan accountable for shielding the organisation at the UN Security Council earlier this year.
“No amount of drama or deception can hide the truth. This is the same Pakistan that tried to block accountability for The Resistance Front at the UN. This group had brutally massacred innocent tourists in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
The diplomat also reminded the Assembly of Pakistan’s history of harbouring global terrorists. This includes al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, even as it projected itself as a partner in the fight against extremism.
Who is Petal Gahlot?
Petal Gahlot, a 2015-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has steadily earned a reputation as a clear and firm voice for India on international platforms.
- Early life & education: Born in New Delhi, she pursued political science at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. She later completed her master’s degree from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi.
- Diplomatic career: Over the past decade, she has served in multiple roles. These range from Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs to postings at the Indian Embassy in Paris, and later as Consul at the Consulate General of India in San Francisco.
- At the UN: Currently positioned in New York, Gahlot plays a key role in articulating India’s stance on sensitive global issues.
Her fiery response to Sharif has been hailed as a reflection of India’s growing confidence. Especially in countering narratives against it on international stages. By spotlighting Pakistan’s record on terrorism, Gahlot has reinforced New Delhi’s message that Kashmir is an internal matter. Also noted is that cross-border terrorism cannot be ignored.
Beyond diplomacy
Interestingly, Gahlot is also a talented musician. Known among colleagues for her love of the guitar, she has performed covers of global hits such as ‘Bella Ciao’ and ‘Lost on You’ by LP. These performances have gained appreciation online.
