INDIA IN
ANTARCTICA
India's connection with Antarctica dates back to 1981 when it launched its First Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. On successful completion India became a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty System. By 1983, India established its first research station, Dakshin Gangotri, marking its official presence in Antarctica. Soon another research station, Maitri, in the Schirmacher Oasis was commissioned in 1989. With a serious commitment to conduct research in Antarctica, India expanded its research base to the East Antarctic region and established another research station Bharati in the year 2012.
The Indian Antarctic Programme, managed by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), is a testament to India's commitment to scientific exploration and environmental stewardship. The program focuses on various research areas, including climate change, glaciology, marine biology, and geology. Indian scientists and researchers undertake expeditions to Antarctica, enduring extreme conditions to collect valuable data and conduct groundbreaking research.
The Indian Antarctic Programme has made significant contributions to global scientific knowledge. Indian scientists have conducted studies on the impact of climate change on Antarctica's ice shelves, shedding light on the continent's vulnerability to rising temperatures. They have also explored the unique marine ecosystems, studying the biodiversity and adaptations of organisms in this extreme environment. Indian researchers have made significant strides in glaciology, studying ice cores to understand past climate patterns and their implications for the future.
India being a member of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), has actively collaborated with other nations and International organisations and participated in various international research programs, sharing knowledge, expertise and resources to advance our scientific understanding. The Indian Antarctic Programme has also fostered scientific cooperation and goodwill among nations, promoting peaceful and collaborative exploration of this unique continent.
As India continues to explore this frozen frontier, it reinforces its position as a key player in polar science and contributes to the collective efforts aimed at preserving and protecting our planet.