These were hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
- The CEP advises the ATCM on environmental protection and conservation in Antarctica.
- Measures, Decisions and Resolutions, adopted at the ATCM, give effect to the principles of the Antarctic Treaty.
About Antarctic Treaty
- Genesis: Signed in Washington, in 1959 by 12 countries & entered into force in 1961.
- Members: 57 out of which 29 are consultative parties (participate in the decision-making).
- India has been a Consultative Party since 1983.
- Applicability: The area south of 60° South latitude.
- Key provisions
- Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only.
- Facilitate international scientific cooperation in Antarctica.
- Prohibits nuclear explosions, radioactive waste disposal, and military deployments in Antarctica.
India’s Initiatives for Antarctica
- India’s first Antarctic research station was Dakshin Gangotri (983). India currently operates two research stations- Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012).
- In ATCM- 46 India announced a plan to set up an Antarctic research station, Maitri-II.
- In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
Related Agreements to Antarctica Treaty
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