Jagjit Pavadia Re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board

India has been elected to several key bodies at the United Nations. This includes a significant victory by its nominee, Jagjit Pavadia, who was re-elected for a third term to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

Jagjit Pavadia’s Re-election to the INCB

• Jagjit Pavadia was re-elected to the INCB by secret ballot for a third term, from March 2025 to 2030.
• She garnered the highest number of votes in the highly competitive election.

India’s Election to Other UN Bodies

India was also elected by acclamation to the following UN bodies:

• Commission on the Status of Women (2025-2029)
• Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund (2025-2027)
• Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (2025-2027)
• Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (2025-2027)
• Executive Board of the World Food Programme (2025-2027)

India’s Commitment to the UN

• India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, stated that India remains steadfast in its commitment to actively engage in the discourse within these UN bodies.
• This commitment is guided by the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), which underscores India’s dedication to contributing constructively and collaboratively to global deliberations.

The Election Process and India’s Convincing Win

• The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held elections to fill vacancies in 17 of its subsidiary bodies.
• India secured 41 votes out of the 53 voting members of the ECOSOC, the highest among all winning member states.
• Jagjit Pavadia’s re-election was a convincing win, with the candidate in second place garnering 30 votes.

Jagjit Pavadia’s Background and the INCB’s Mandate

• Jagjit Pavadia has been a member of the INCB since 2015 and served as its President in 2021-2022.
• She has held several senior positions in the Indian Revenue Service, including Narcotics Commissioner of India and Commissioner of Legal Affairs.
• The INCB is an independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for the implementation of the United Nations’ international drug control conventions.
• The INCB’s mandate includes ensuring adequate supplies of drugs for medical and scientific uses and preventing the diversion of drugs and chemicals into illicit channels.

Important Takeaways for all competitive exams

• International Narcotics Control Board Headquarters: Vienna International Centre (Vienna, Austria);
• International Narcotics Control Board President: Jallal Toufiq;
• International Narcotics Control Board Founded: 1968.