Policy Update
Chetan Gupta
Introduction
Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent in the world. It is situated within the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It has a total of 14 million-sq.km area, 98% is covered with thick ice sheets and holds 75% of the earth’s fresh water. It is uninhabited by humans. The Antarctic continent has a profound effect on the earth’s climate and ocean systems. It is impacted by climate change, resulting in an imbalance in the earth’s ecosystem. The Antarctic treaty was signed in 1959. Almost 30 countries have constructed around 69 research stations in different regions of Antarctica.
Location of Research Stations in Antarctica (Source: NCPOR, MoES)
Background
Antarctica directly impacts India’s holistic development, which involves water and economic security, coastal erosion, glacial melting, and scientific research. The First Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctic (ISEA) commenced in 1981 and reached the Antarctic in January 1982. India became a consultative party of the Antarctic Treaty System in 1983.
The first permanent research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was established in 1983 (now decommissioned). Since 1988, the research base Maitri has been operational. The newly constructed Bharati station has been operational since March 2012. India annually sends scientific expeditions to Antarctica, and the 44th expedition was sent last year. India has developed its codified policy framework for its Antarctica activities through the Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, which aims to have India’s national measures for protecting the Antarctic environment and the dependent and associated ecosystem.
Objectives of the Indian Antarctic Programme
- Conduct multidisciplinary scientific research in Antarctica.
- Protect India’s strategic and scientific interests in the polar region.
- Preserve the Antarctic environment and ecosystems as per international treaties.
- Maintain and operate Indian research stations (Maitri and Bharati).
- Coordinate annual Indian Antarctic expeditions.
- Promote international cooperation under the Antarctic Treaty System.
- Develop and sustain polar research and logistics infrastructure.
- Ensure compliance with environmental and legal standards in Antarctica.
Functioning and Performance
Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA)) commenced in 1981 and reached Antarctica on 08 January 1982. After operating from ships and temporary shelters for two years, the first permanent research station, “Dakshin Gangotri”, was established in 1983 (coordinates 70.08˚S, 12.00˚ E) over the Ice shelf in Central Dronning Maud Land region.
The station was decommissioned in 1990 as it got buried under snow. Out of the total, the remaining 2% of ice-free areas dot Antarctica, where major research stations have been established. There are two ice-free oasis in which India has its scientific year-round operating Antarctic research stations. Since 1988, research base Maitri (coordinates 70.77˚ S, 11.73˚ E) has been operational in the central part of Schirmacher Oasis in the Central Dronning Maudland region of East Antarctica. The newly constructed Bharati station (69.40˚S, 76.19˚E), operational since March 2012, is in Larsemann Hills, Antarctica.
Maitri Research Base (Source: NCPOR, MoES)
The Indian Antarctic Programme comes under the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), operated under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. Located in Goa, The NCPOR is the nodal organisation responsible for the polar research programmes. India’s institutional structure for polar science has become a multi-tier structure with multiple actors participating in the research cycle:
- NCPOR directs planning and implementation for Antarctica expeditions and maintains the Indian Antarctic and Arctic stations and logistics.
- ISRO adds satellite-based observations of Antarctica’s sea ice and weather patterns.
- IITs, other universities, institutes and foreign universities provide expertise in research collaboration.
- MoES provides overall policy frameworks, budget approval, and diplomatic engagement.
Bharati Research Base (Source: NCPOR, MoES)
The voyage leg for the Antarctic expedition begins between December-January and is flagged off from Cape Town, South Africa. India’s expedition is launched annually, and about 100 to 120 members, including scientists, engineers, doctors, and tradesmen, are sent in batches. So far, there have been forty-four scientific expeditions. More than sixty institutes, R&D organisations, leading universities, survey organisations and IITs are participating in the national endeavour, and about 2500 scientists have carried out their scientific studies. Our scientists have published a huge number of publications, including international publications. Over 20-30 institutes from all over India participate in the Indian Antarctic Programme. The Indian Antarctic Program is broadly categorised into five sections, with “Climate Change” being the broader theme.
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Earth Science and Glaciology
- Environmental Sciences
- Human Physiology and Medicine
Antarctic Treaty System and India
The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) represents a unique international governance model. The ATS was signed in 1959 and is remarkably concise, with only 14 articles. The Treaty ensures Antarctica is used only for peaceful purposes, bans military activity and nuclear waste, freezes territorial claims, promotes free scientific research, enforces strict environmental protection (including a mining ban), and allows inspections by member countries to ensure compliance. Now, nearly 57 countries have signed this Treaty. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) is the main forum for governance. The ACTM’s consultative parties convene annually to discuss and decide on matters related to the management and protection of the continent. Among the Treaty’s signatories, 29 countries hold consultative status,
As one of the consultative parties, India has been part of Antarctica’s governance framework. India organised the 46th Consultative Party Meeting at Kochi in 2024, another milestone in India’s Antarctic journey. The Indian Antarctic Act was adopted in 2022 and is a major legislation establishing a legal framework for activities in Antarctica. It applies to India’s scientific endeavours and simultaneously sets the standards for tourists and other visitors to the region. The Act reflects India’s recognition of Antarctica’s growing strategic importance.
46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) at Kochi in 2024 (Source: PIB, Ministry of Earth Sciences)
India has always considered international cooperation a fundamental aspect of its Antarctic program. India does not endorse any territorial claims within the Antarctic on account of the central theme of the Treaty, which advocates that the continent is a global common that ought to be peacefully explored without any sovereign claims over it. This shows India’s commitment to multilateralism as well as peace in the governance of the polar region.
Emerging Issues
- Climate Change & Environmental Threats:
Antarctica has been undergoing significant challenges (global warming, loss of ice, and rising sea levels), directly affecting the global ecosystem. India’s research stations are key in collecting pivotal data. However, India faces issues like adverse environmental conditions, limited research timelines, and logistical framework. It makes sustaining year-round scientific operations challenging. - Resource Exploitation Risks:
There are serious concerns about overfishing, bioprospecting, and the potential for mineral extraction. India strongly advocates for sustainable resource management and strict adherence to treaty guidelines. However, it struggles with monitoring and enforcing these protocols due to limited resources and technological challenges. - Scientific Research & Technological Gaps:
The lack of a dedicated Polar Research Vessel hinders India’s Antarctic program, which limits independent research and logistics. High operational costs, a shortage of specialised personnel, and the need for advanced, durable equipment further restrict India’s scientific goals. - Tourism & Human Impact:
The rise in tourism and human activity brings risks to Antarctica’s untouched environment. India favours strict regulations and is investing in eco-friendly infrastructure at its stations.
Way Forward
India has progressed significantly in the past few years in its Antarctic mission. The upcoming Maitri-2 station that India will set up in 2029, alongside Maitri-1, and Bharati stations, are milestones in our scientific journey. Each station has contributed immensely to developing India’s understanding of glaciology, oceanography, and biodiversity. India must invest in a dedicated Polar Research Vessel and cutting-edge infrastructure to enhance year-round research capabilities and logistical self-reliance. Strengthening international collaborations will be crucial to addressing emerging challenges like climate change, resource exploitation, and rising tourism, primarily through the Antarctic Treaty System. This integrated approach will secure India’s strategic interests and reinforce its leadership in polar governance.
References
- Ministry of Earth Sciences. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research – Antarctica Programme. https://www.ncaor.gov.in/antarcticas
- Ministry of Earth Sciences. Official Website. https://www.ncaor.gov.in/
- Press Information Bureau. (2015, July). Antarctica Expeditions. https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=123510
- Press Information Bureau. (2022, July). Parliament Passes the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 Aimed at Having India’s Own National Measures for Protecting the Antarctic Environment and Dependent and Associated Ecosystem. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1843988
- Indian Council of World Affairs. (2025, February). India’s Engagement in Antarctica: A Strategic and Scientific Perspective. https://www.icwa.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=1&ls_id=12398&lid=7561
- Press Information Bureau. (2024, May 1). India Set to Host the Prestigious 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection in 2024. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2021213
About the contributor: Chetan Gupta is a Research Intern at Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI). He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in International Relations from South Asian University (established by SAARC nations), Delhi. His research areas are International Relations and Public Policy.
Acknowledgement: The author sincerely thanks Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja and the IMPRI team for their valuable support.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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