India’s Jagjit Pavadia Retains Seat On UN’s International Narcotics Control Board

Jagjit Pavadia from India on Tuesday secured her re-election to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). She received the highest number of votes in a fiercely contested election organised by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), an official statement issued by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said. 

India garnered 41 votes out of the 53 voting members of the ECOSOC. Notably, the highest among all the successful member states, the statement said. With a decisive count of 41 votes, Pavadia secured a substantial victory, and the runner-up managed to secure only 30 votes. The election witnessed intense competition, considering 24 candidates vied for five available seats.

Reacting to the development, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in an X post said, “Today, India’s nominee Ms Jagjit Pavadia has been re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board at elections held in New York, for the term 2025-2030”.

He, highlighting India’s success, said India clinched the maximum number of votes among all the elected member states to the Board.

The External Affairs minister extended appreciation to the Permanent Mission of India to the UN and the Ministry of External Affairs team for their commendable efforts.

Who Is Jagjit Pavadia? 

Jagjit Pavadia has been a member of the International Narcotics Control Board since 2015. She was re-elected by the Council for a five-year term from 2020 to 2025 in May 2019. She previously served as the President of the Board for the term 2021-2022.

Born in 1954, Pavadia has held various senior positions in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) for 35 years within the Government of India. She has held posts in the Narcotics Commissioner of India at the Central Bureau of Narcotics (2006-2012); Commissioner, Legal Affairs (2001-2005); and Chief Vigilance Officer, Power Finance Corporation (1996-2001).

The International Narcotics Control Board, established in 1968, functions as an independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for the enforcement of the United Nations international drug control conventions.

The board consists of 13 members elected by the Economic and Social Council, who serve in their capacities, not as government representatives.

Three members possessing medical, pharmacological, or pharmaceutical expertise are elected from a list of people nominated by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The remaining ten members are elected from a list of people nominated by Governments.