The International Narcotics Control Board oversees the implementation of the United Nations international drug control conventions
In a significant development, India's nominee Jagjit Pavadia has been re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), securing the highest number of votes in a highly competitive election held by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Tuesday (April 9, 2024). With an impressive tally of 41 votes out of 53, Pavadia led the board, marking a notable achievement in the international arena.
 
The election saw Pavadia clinching a resounding victory, obtaining 41 votes, the highest among all candidates. The runner-up in the election garnered 30 votes, highlighting the competitive nature of this election with 24 candidates vying for five available seats. India holds an influential role with Pavadia's reputation in the international narcotics control community.
 
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lauded this achievement, expressing satisfaction over India's performance and Pavadia's re-election. "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," Jaishankar stated on social media platform X, praising the efforts of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN and the Ministry of External Affairs team for their "good work."

India’s Commitment to Global Narcotics Control Efforts
 
Pavadia's re-election to the International Narcotics Control Board signifies India's ongoing commitment and active engagement in global narcotics control efforts. Her continued presence on the board is expected to bolster India's influence and contribute to the international community's endeavours in combating narcotic and substance abuse globally.
 
Pavadia has been a distinguished member of the INCB since 2015 and served as its President from 2021 to 2022. Her re-election for the term 2020-2025, and now for 2025-2030, speaks volumes of her dedication and expertise in the field. Born in 1954, Pavadia has an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the Indian Revenue Service, where she held significant positions, including that of the Narcotics Commissioner of India.
 
The International Narcotics Control Board, established in 1968, functions as an independent and quasi-judicial body overseeing the implementation of the United Nations international drug control conventions. Composed of 13 members elected by ECOSOC, the board plays a crucial role in monitoring and supporting international efforts to control narcotics and psychotropic substances.
 
The INCB serves a critical function in the global effort to regulate drugs and prevent their illicit use. As a monitoring body, the INCB ensures that governments adhere to three main international drug control conventions: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. 
 
These conventions provide the legal framework for the international drug control regime, aiming to limit the possession, use, trade, distribution, import, export, manufacture, and production of drugs exclusively to medical and scientific purposes, thus preventing their diversion into illicit channels.
 
Pavadia's role in the INCB is crucial for advancing these objectives, as her work directly impacts the board's ability to monitor and support global compliance with these conventions.