18 June 2024 – The Indian Express

India’s Interests in Antarctica

• Long shrouded in mystery, the frigid wastes of Antarctica are home to a multitude of unusual life forms that remain unspoiled by human civilization. But this isolation is shifting quickly. The number of visitors to the continent has increased dramatically, from 8,000 in 1993 to over 1,05,000 in 2022. This increase has sparked worries about the fragile ecosystem of the continent, which is why discussions about the future of tourism in this pristine wilderness are taking place during the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), which is currently taking place in Kochi, Kerala.
• An important moment for Antarctica is represented by the discussion at the ATCM. India has a special chance to promote responsible tourism and make sure that the unspoiled beauty of Antarctica is accessible for future generations, as it becomes a more powerful nation with an increasing interest in the continent’s future.

Why Is Antarctica Gaining More and More Importance?

• Implications for Climate Change: Antarctica is a major player in the Earth’s climate system, and the melting of its ice sheets will have a significant impact on weather patterns and sea levels worldwide.
• Recent satellite imagery revealed that the Antarctic iceberg known as A23a was making its way past the Antarctic Peninsula’s northernmost point.
• Potential Resource: It is thought that Antarctica contains substantial amounts of rare earth elements, coal, and perhaps undiscovered oil and gas resources, among other valuable minerals.
• The possibility for ethical and sustainable resource development in Antarctica has drawn attention due to the rising global demand for resources and the depletion of conventional sources.
• Opportunities for Scientific Research: The distinct and pristine environment of Antarctica provide unmatched chances for scientific research in a range of fields, such as glaciology, astronomy, geology, and biology.
• Antarctica has increasing scientific importance as more advanced study methods are made possible by technology breakthroughs.
• An example would be the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, which is situated in Antarctica at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
• Growing Geopolitical Interest: Antarctica is becoming a more prominent geopolitical focus as countries look to expand their influence and presence in strategically significant areas.
• Motivated by prospective resource prospects and a desire for global influence, nations are fighting for a greater say in the governance and decision-making processes pertaining to the Antarctic region.
• In Antarctica, there are three US stations. In February 2024, China inaugurated Qinling facility, its fifth facility in Antarctica.
• Environmental Conservation and Monitoring: Antarctica’s ecosystems and species offer important windows into the planet’s health, and the region is a key indication of changes in the global environment.
• One of the areas of the planet where warming is occurring the quickest is the Antarctic Peninsula, which has caused dramatic shifts in krill and penguin populations.
• Tourism and Adventure: With the growth of adventure tourism, Antarctica’s distinct and unspoiled landscapes are becoming a popular destination for tourists looking for unusual experiences.
• The 2022–2023 season saw a record 105,331 visitors to Antarctica, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

What is the Treaty of Antarctica?

• About: Signed in 1959 during the International Geophysical Year (1957–58) by twelve nations involved in Antarctic research.
• has 57 members as of right now, including India, which signed the pact in 1983.

• Important clauses:

• Use for Peace: According to Article I, Antarctica can only be used for peaceful reasons.
• Scientific Cooperation: (Article II) Freedom of scientific inquiry and collaboration are encouraged.
• Information Sharing: According to Article III, scientific findings and observations must be shared and made easily accessible.

• Claims Regarding Territory:

• There are overlapping territory claims made by seven signatory nations: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
• These claims are not acknowledged by other nations.
• Russia and the US uphold a “basis of claim” without making any claims about it.

In Article IV, the status quo is upheld by:

• prohibiting the use of any ongoing action to bolster or refute territorial claims.
• prohibiting, during the duration of the Treaty, any new or enlarged territorial claims.

Inspection Procedure:

• Any Party may investigate any region of Antarctica, including stations and equipment, at any time to verify compliance with the Treaty (Article VII).

What Importance Does Antarctic Research Have for India?

• Developing India’s Space Programme: India can test its space technologies, including landers, rockets, and remote sensing systems, in Antarctica because of its special position and environmental circumstances.
• India may be able to improve its space technologies for upcoming missions by carrying out environmentally friendly testing and tests in the harsh Antarctic environment.
• Securing Energy and Mineral Resources: Subject to the rules of the Antarctic Treaty System, Antarctica’s potential for responsible and sustainable resource exploration could help address the nation’s long-term resource security needs. This is because India, the third-largest energy consumer in the world, has growing energy demands and a need for critical minerals.
• Progressing with Climate Change Research and Adaptation: It is vital to comprehend the alterations in Antarctica’s climate systems, as India’s location (the tip of the Himalayas to the north and the Sandal of Seas to the south) makes it more susceptible to the effects of climate change.
• Developing cutting-edge icebreaker vessels, shipbuilding for polar climates, and navigating in freezing waters are just a few of the chances that India’s participation in Antarctic logistics and operations may present to strengthen its maritime capabilities.
• India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region and beyond would be strengthened by this.
• Investigating Bioprospecting Opportunities: The distinct ecosystems of Antarctica may produce novel microbes, enzymes, and bioactive substances that find use in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. To support the nation’s bioeconomy, Indian researchers should investigate bioprospecting potential in Antarctica.

How Can India Strengthen Its Position and Offer More in Antarctica?

• Creating Cutting-Edge Autonomous Systems for Polar research: India has the potential to lead the way in creating cutting-edge autonomous systems that use robotics and artificial intelligence. Examples of these systems include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and underwater vehicles (AUVs) that are specifically made for polar research.
• These systems could improve India’s scientific diplomacy by enabling other nations to use them for mapping, surveying, and monitoring.
• Work Together on Rare Earth Element (REE) Exploration: Given the increased need for rare earth elements in high-tech industries, India and other countries might work together to carry out geological surveys and evaluations of possible deposits of rare earth elements in Antarctica.
• Subject to the rules of the Antarctic Treaty System, this might establish India as a major participant in future ethical and sustainable REE exploration projects.
• Invest in the Development of Sustainable Infrastructure: India may finance the construction of environmentally friendly transport options, waste management facilities, and renewable energy systems in Antarctica.
• This would show India’s commitment to reducing its environmental effect in the area while also assisting its research and logistics activities.
• The two research stations that India currently runs in Antarctica are Maitri and Bharati.
• After nearly forty years, the Department of Posts reopened a second post office branch at the Bharati research outpost in Antarctica in April 2024.
• Encourage Responsible and Sustainable Antarctic Travel: India should work with foreign partners to create standards and best practices for this type of travel.
• This can entail providing instruction to Indian tour operators and guides on how to minimise their negative environmental effects, follow stringent rules, and provide educational opportunities that heighten understanding of the region’s distinctive ecosystems and the value of conservation.
• India pushed for a proposal to develop a regulatory framework managing tourism in the continent during the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.