India’s 4th research base in Antarctica.
- expected to be operational by Jan 2029
- by National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research
- under Indian Antarctic Act 2022
- green research base (solar+wind)
- Indian Consultative Party to Antarctice Treaty since 1983
Why?
- antarctica holds key to understanding earth’s climat, ocean system
- 75% freshwater in antarctica
- edible algae, 200+ fish species
- geopolitics (china expanding with dual use critical infra)
older indian research stn in antarctica
- Maitri 1989
- Bharati 2010
- Dakshin gangotri 1983-90 (was the first research stn, defunct since 1990)