This will be India’s 4th research base expected to be operational by January 2029.
- It would be established as a green research base powered using renewable energy sources (solar and wind) and would house automated instruments.
Importance of the Antarctica Region
- World’s Natural Laboratory: It is the 5th largest continent, holds key to understanding Earth’s climate and ocean systems, acting as a natural tracker of global climate change.
- Natural Resources: Holds nearly 75 percent of the earth’s freshwater reserves and houses abundance of edible algae, more than 200 species of fish including the discovery of iron and copper.
- Geopolitical Significance: Overlapping territorial claims, China’s expansion with dual-use critical infrastructures raises global concerns.
India's initiatives in Antarctica
- Research Initiatives: India currently has two operational research stations in Antarctica named Maitri (Commissioned in 1989) and Bharati (Commissioned in 2012).
- Dakshin Gangotri (1983-84), India’s first Scientific Research Station was operational till 1990.
- Institution: Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal agency for operating and organising missions to polar regions.
- Legal Framework: Indian Antarctic Act 2022 aims at having India’s own national measures for protecting the Antarctic environment and the dependent and associated ecosystem.
- Global Commitment: India has been a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty since 1983.
- Treaty was signed in 1959 for ensuring peaceful use of Antarctica, ensuring freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation, etc.
