Context

In December of 1983, India inaugurated its inaugural permanent Antarctic station, Dakshin Gangotri, as part of the Project Gangotri mission.

Making the Presence over Antarctica

• Under the leadership of Harsh Gupta, the expedition encountered various obstacles, such as a helicopter accident.
• Despite these setbacks, the team, consisting of both defense personnel and scientists, successfully accomplished the objective of establishing a permanent base within a span of 60 days.
• This facility, complete with laboratories, living quarters, and recreational amenities, symbolized India's continuous presence in Antarctica throughout the year.
• The mission underscored India's dedication to scientific exploration and highlighted the perseverance demonstrated in overcoming challenges to establish a lasting presence on the icy continent.
• The story reflects values of determination, resilience, and commitment to scientific exploration.

Other initiatives

• Dakshin Gangotri (abandoned in 1990)
• Maitri (operational since 1988)
• Bharati (operational since 2012)
• National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa-an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (it manages India’s Antarctic program)
• India is a party to the Antarctic Treaty, which seeks it shall be used for peaceful purposes only.
• Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, provides measures for protecting the Antarctic environment and associated ecosystems etc.