Who Is Petal Gahlot? Indian Diplomat Who Shredded Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif At UNGA

When Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched into a familiar attack on India at the United Nations General Assembly this week, it was Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot who delivered a fiery and fact-packed rebuttal. Gahlot’s speech calling out Islamabad for “absurd theatrics” and “glorifying terrorism” quickly drew attention back home.

Born in New Delhi, Petal Gahlot studied political science at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, before completing her master’s degree at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi. She joined the prestigious Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 2015 and has steadily built a reputation as a poised, articulate representative of India on the global stage.

Over the last decade, Gahlot has handled a range of assignments.

She served as assistant secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, as third and second secretary at the Embassy of India in Paris, and as Consul at the Consulate General of India in San Francisco.

A favourite from my time in Paris in 2016. A difficult cover and a modest attempt. “Lost On You” by @iamlp#Sunday #weekendmood pic.twitter.com/uKvtgGCPIM

— Petal Gahlot (@petal_gahlot) June 11, 2023

Away from the corridors of diplomacy, Gahlot has a creative side. She is a regular guitar player and singer, often sharing her passion for music with friends and colleagues.

As I always like to do to celebrate International Day of #Francophonie, here is a short fusion of La Vie En Rose 🩷@OIFrancophonie pic.twitter.com/bUzXG87rC2

— Petal Gahlot (@petal_gahlot) March 20, 2025

Her musical prowess came to the forefront when she performed a cover of the iconic Italian song “Bella Ciao,” which gained widespread recognition on Twitter. Her rendition of “Lost On You” by LP is another testament to her musical abilities.