Petal Gahlot, an Indian diplomat who recently delivered a strong rebuttal to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), is now also gaining attention for her musical talents. Videos of her singing and playing the guitar have resurfaced and are going viral on social media, drawing praise for her versatility.
Gahlot, who serves as the First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the UN since July 2023 and was appointed as an Advisor at the UN in September 2024, has been lauded for her sharp and articulate responses on the global stage. In her recent address at the UNGA, Gahlot exercised India's right of reply, countering Prime Minister Sharif's claims regarding "Operation Sindoor". She presented a starkly different picture, highlighting the damage inflicted on Pakistani airbases and asserting that Pakistan's military had suffered significant losses.
Beyond her diplomatic skills, Gahlot's passion for music is evident in the videos she shares on social media. Several videos showcase her playing the guitar and singing, including a cover of "Kabira" from the Bollywood film "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani". Another video, which has been reshared by social media users, shows her singing in French while playing the guitar. Her musical talent has surprised and impressed many, with some commenting on the contrast between her diplomatic role and her artistic side.
Gahlot's academic background reflects her diverse interests and expertise. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Sociology, and French Literature from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai (2005-2010). She further pursued a Master's degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi (2010-2012) and a Master's degree in Language Interpretation and Translation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, USA (2018-2020).
Before her current role at the UN, Gahlot served as an Undersecretary in the Ministry of External Affairs' European West Division from June 2020 to July 2023. During this time, she was also posted at Indian missions in Paris and San Francisco. Gahlot joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 2015 and has gained recognition as a composed and articulate voice for India on the global stage.
The diplomat's musical talent has resonated with many online, with users expressing admiration for her ability to excel in both diplomacy and music. Some have hailed her as an example of multitasking and a new face of diplomacy. Her renditions of songs like "Bella Ciao" and "Lost On You" have also gained traction on social media platforms.
