Editing Indian Antarctic Programme (section)

==Research stations==
In 1981 the Indian flag unfurled for the first time in Antarctica, marking the start of Southern Ocean expeditions under the [[environmental protocol]] of the [[Antarctic Treaty]] (1959).

=== Dakshin Gangotri ===
{{Main|Dakshin Gangotri}}

The first permanent settlement was built in 1983 and named [[Dakshin Gangotri]]. In 1989 it was excavated and is being used again as supply base and transit camp. Dakshin Gangotri was decommissioned in the year 1990 after half of it got buried under the ice. It is nothing more than a historical site now. In its times, it used to double up as a place for multiple support systems, including the presence of an ice-melting plant, laboratories, storage, accommodation, recreation facilities, a clinic and also a bank counter.

=== Maitri ===
{{Main|Maitri (research station)|l1=Maitri}}

The second permanent settlement, [[Maitri (research station)|Maitri]], was put up in 1989 on the [[Schirmacher Oasis]] and has been conducting experiments in geology, geography and medicine. India built this station close to a freshwater lake around Maitri known as [[Lake Priyadarshini]]. Maitri accomplished the mission of geomorphologic mapping of Schirmacher Oasis.

=== Bharati ===
{{Main|Bharati (research station)|l1=Bharati}}

Located beside Larsmann Hill at 69°S, 76°E, [[Bharati (research station)|Bharati]] is established in March 2012. This newest research station for oceanographic research will collect evidence of continental break-up to reveal the 120-million-year-old ancient history of the Indian subcontinent. In news sources this station was variously spelled "Bharathi",<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/20/stories/2009022052310500.htm |title=The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Cuddalore News : Third Antarctica research station by 2011 |date=11 April 2009 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411063558/http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/20/stories/2009022052310500.htm |archive-date=11 April 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> "Bharti"<ref name="timesofindia">[https://web.archive.org/web/20121025174421/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-08-06/chennai/28199800_1_antarctica-new-station-maitri "Bharti to be 3rd Indian station in Antarctica"], ''The Times of India'', 6 August 2009</ref> and "Bharati".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/holnus/008200902161911.htm |title=The Hindu News Update Service<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=4 August 2010 |archive-date=7 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107085557/http://www.hindu.com/holnus/008200902161911.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== India Post Office in Antarctica ===
It was established in the year 1984 during the third Indian expedition to Antarctica. It was located at Dakshin Gangotri. As many as 10,000 letters were posted and cancelled in this post office in total in the first year of its establishment. Although the post office is no more there, it is a favourite stopover for Indian tourists who visit the place in cruise ships.

The current Indian post office in Antarctica is situated at Maitri, where the country's current research station is also situated.