Context:

Recently, government has given in-principle approval of Maitri II, a state-of-the-art research station in East Antarctica. Scheduled for completion by January 2029, Maitri II will become India’s fourth research base in the icy continent, reflecting a robust convergence of scientific, strategic, environmental, and diplomatic imperatives.

Background:

India’s engagement with Antarctica began in 1981 with the launch of the first Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. Since then, the country has established three research stations:

1.       Dakshin Gangotri (1983) – Now decommissioned and used as a supply base.

2.      Maitri (1989) – Operational; located in the Schirmacher Oasis.

3.      Bharati (2012) – Operational; focused on multi-disciplinary research.

The programme is coordinated by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Need for Maitri II:

• • The existing Maitri station, situated in the Schirmacher Oasis, has served since 1988‑89. Though built for just a decade’s operational life, it has persisted for decades past that, supporting critical research including geology, atmospheric sciences, glaciology, and life in extreme cold.
  • Over time, the station’s age has revealed limitations: structural wear, increasingly expensive maintenance, logistical challenges, and constraints in providing modern labs, expanded accommodation, and upgraded support infrastructure. Environmental compliance is also becoming more stringent.

Salient Features of Maitri II:

 Location

• • • Situated in Eastern Antarctica, likely within proximity to the Schirmacher Oasis.
    • Approximately 100 km inland from the coast.

 Design and Sustainability

• • • A green research station focusing on sustainable operations.
    • Utilisation of renewable energy sources:
      • Solar power during summer months.
      • Wind energy, harnessing the region’s strong winds.
    • Automated instrumentation for remote data transmission to India, even when the station is unmanned.
    • Improved infrastructure with modernised living quarters, laboratories, and sanitation.

Scientific Significance:

Antarctica, a frozen continent covering over 14 million sq. km, is a natural laboratory for studying:

• • Climate change and atmospheric dynamics
  • Glaciology and sea-level rise
  • Plate tectonics and seismology
  • Biological adaptation in extreme environments
  • Space weather and astrophysical phenomena

Strategic and Diplomatic Dimensions:

1. Geopolitical Significance

• • • Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty (1959), which mandates peaceful scientific exploration and prohibits military activity.
    • With increasing interest from countries like China, the US, and Russia, India’s upgraded presence ensures strategic parity in global polar affairs.

2. Soft Power and Global Standing

• • • An advanced research station showcases India's technological competence and commitment to global science.
    • Enhances India's role in international climate negotiations and Earth system science.

3. Compliance with International Norms

• • • Maitri II will be aligned with Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol), which mandates strict environmental impact assessments (EIA) before new construction.

Conclusion:

Maitri II represents a timely and strategic step forward in India’s Antarctic endeavour. It aligns with national priorities in science and technology, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation. As climate change accelerates and the geopolitics of global commons intensifies, Maitri II will not only enhance India's scientific capacity but also reaffirm its status as a responsible stakeholder in global polar governance.