New York: Till a day ago, none had heard her name.
Now, Petal Gahlot is the toast of the nation, and a rage on social media.
First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Petal is hogging headlines after her sharp remarks at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), especially against Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Exercising India’s right of reply at the UNGA in New York, Petal tore apart Sharif’s ‘absurd theatrics’ and claims over Operation Sindoor.
Diplomats work behind the scenes, hence they are rarely in the news. Petal, for instance, is a seasoned diplomat who has expertise in political science, translation and international relations.
A BA degree holder in Political Science, Sociology and French Literature from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, Petal did a Master’s in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi and then pursued a Master’s in Language Interpretation and Translation at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, US.
She joined India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations as First Secretary in July 2023, and in September 2024, Petal was appointed Advisor at the UN.
Between June 2020 and July 2023, Petal served as Undersecretary in the European West Division of India’s Ministry of External Affairs. During the three-year period, Petal was posted at India’s missions in Paris and San Francisco.
Besides her professional acumen, Petal is getting attention for her musical talent.
It’s clear from videos she shares on social media that Petal a passionate and versatile musician.
She has been seen playing the guitar with renditions of popular songs such as Bella Ciao, Lost On You and Kabira from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
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
The feeling of confusion, of being torn and of wanting everything and just one thing at the same time, encapsulated in this song from 12 years ago.
A cover of ‘Kabira’ from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani pic.twitter.com/ASs7usWki2
— Petal Gahlot (@petal_gahlot) May 5, 2025
Many of these videos have gone viral, attracting multiple reactions from netizens.
“On one hand she’s dismantling Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif at the UNGA and on the other she’s strumming the guitar? Is this the new face of diplomacy or a perfect example of multitasking? We need more diplomats like this,” wrote one user on X.
“Guitar bajate bajate, pakistan ko baja diya,” quipped another user.
“Soft and hard diplomacy must go hand in hand in these challenging times!” wrote one person.
“Petal Gehlot blends diplomacy with charisma — commanding the UNGA stage, dismantling false narratives, and still keeping style and finesse intact,” expressed another impressed user.
