United Nations: India has secured esteemed positions on various pivotal bodies within the UN, marking a momentous triumph with the re-election of its candidate Jagjit Pavadia to the International Narcotics Control Board for an unprecedented third term. Pavadia’s reaffirmation to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) occurred via clandestine vote, securing her tenure for an additional five years spanning from March 2025 to 2030, amassing the highest tally of votes in a fiercely competitive electoral arena.
India also clinched unopposed appointments to the Commission on the Status of Women for the 2025-2029 term, the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund for the 2025-2027 term, the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Population Fund, as well as the United Nations Office for Project Services for the duration of 2025-2027.
Furthermore, India attained positions on the Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women for the 2025-2027 tenure and the Executive Board of the World Food Programme for the same duration.
India remains resolute in its dedication to actively participate in the dialogues within these UN entities, upholding the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the belief that the world is one family, as articulated by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.
This guiding ethos epitomizes our commitment to contributing constructively and cooperatively to global deliberations, fostering a sense of solidarity and collective responsibility for the advancement of all. The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) conducted elections to fill vacancies in 17 of its subsidiary bodies on Tuesday. These vacancies were filled via acclamation, clandestine vote, and nomination.
Today marks a significant milestone for India at the UN, as it secures a prestigious re-election to the International Narcotics Control Board for the term 2025-2030 and secures seats across several crucial UN bodies, as announced by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN. India pledges to continue its active contribution to the deliberations within these bodies, in accordance with our overarching philosophy of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’, emphasized by the Indian Mission.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also hailed Pavadia’s re-election to the International Narcotics Control Board in a statement, noting India’s triumph in securing the highest number of votes among all elected member states. Commending the Permanent Mission of India to the UN and the Ministry of External Affairs team, he lauded their commendable efforts.
India garnered 41 votes out of the 53 voting members of the ECOSOC, the highest among all victorious member states. Pavadia clinched a decisive victory with 41 votes, surpassing her closest competitor who secured 30 votes. The electoral competition was stiff, with 24 candidates vying for five available seats.
“The Permanent Mission of India extends its gratitude to all member states for their invaluable support and the trust placed in India’s nominee,” stated the mission in a press release. Pavadia has been a member of the International Narcotics Control Board since 2015, having been re-elected by the Council for a five-year term from 2020 to 2025 in May 2019. She previously served as President of the Board in 2021-2022.
Born in 1954, Pavadia boasts a distinguished career spanning 35 years in the Indian Revenue Service within the Government of India, including roles such as Narcotics Commissioner of India at the Central Bureau of Narcotics (2006-2012), Commissioner of Legal Affairs (2001-2005), and Chief Vigilance Officer at the Power Finance Corporation (1996-2001).
Established in 1968, the INCB functions as an independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body tasked with overseeing the implementation of the United Nations’ international drug control conventions.
Comprising 13 members elected by the Economic and Social Council, the INCB operates in their personal capacity rather than as government representatives. Three members with medical, pharmacological, or pharmaceutical expertise are nominated by the World Health Organization (WHO), while 10 members are nominated by governments.
As per its mandate outlined on its official website, the INCB collaborates with governments to ensure adequate drug supplies for medical and scientific purposes, while preventing the diversion of drugs from licit to illicit channels. Additionally, the INCB monitors governments’ regulation of chemicals utilized in the illicit drug manufacturing process, aiding in the prevention of their diversion into illicit circulation.
The 54-member ECOSOC serves as one of the United Nations’ six principal organs, addressing economic, social, cultural, and health-related issues, alongside human rights and fundamental freedoms.
