Editing Indian Antarctic Programme (section)

==Organization==

<!--[[File:Antarcticanbases.PNG|thumb|Nations of the world [[List of research stations in Antarctica|that have stations on the continent of Antarctica]] as of October 2006.]]-->

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research—a [[research and development]] body functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, [[Government of India]]—controls the Indian Antarctic Programme.<ref name=Gad08>Gad (2008)</ref> The NCPOR and the Department of Ocean Development select the members for India's Antarctic expeditions.<ref name="Anas 07" /> After medical tests and subsequent acclimatisation training at the [[Himalayas]], these selected members are also trained in survival, environment ethics, firefighting and operating in a group.<ref name="Anas 07" />

One expedition costs up to {{INRConvert|200|m}}.<ref name="Anas 07" /> Logistical support to the various activities of the Indian Antarctic Programme is provided by the relevant branches of the [[Indian armed forces]].<ref name=Gad08/> The launching point of Indian expeditions has varied from [[Goa]] in India to [[Cape Town]] in South Africa on 19th expedition during the time of NCAOR Founding Director [[Prem Pandey|Dr. P C Pandey]] in December 1999.<ref name="Anas 07" /> Over 70 institutes in India contributed to its Antarctic Programme as of 2007.<ref name="Anas 07" />