India presented a strong response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech at the UNGA, dismantling the claims made regarding Operation Sindoor. The Indian reply was delivered by Petal Gahlot, a young Indian diplomat. Gahlot accused Pakistan of sheltering terrorist groups and disseminating misinformation, contrasting it with India’s position against cross-border terrorism. The clarity and firmness of her statements were widely recognized.
Petal Gahlot is a career diplomat serving as the first Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN since 2023. Before this role, she was the Undersecretary at the MEA India from June 2020 to July 2023. She has also held the position of Advisor at the United Nations since September 2024.
Gahlot’s educational background includes a BA in Political Science, Sociology, and French Literature, followed by an MA in Political Science. She also holds a Master’s degree in Language Interpretation and Translation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Outside of her diplomatic work, she is a guitarist and singer and often posts her music on social media.
In her UNGA address, Gahlot mentioned that the Pakistani military had sought a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor. She referenced the destruction of multiple Pakistani air bases by Indian forces, with publicly available images showcasing the damage. Gahlot remarked that if Pakistan viewed such destruction as a victory, it was welcome to do so. She asserted that Pakistan was responsible for terrorist attacks on Indian civilians, and India had rightfully exercised its right to self-defense.