India's foray in Antarctica commenced with the launching of the first expedition in
1981. Thereafter, India has been sending multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional scientific
expeditions to Antarctica regularly on an annual basis. The first Indian research station in
Antarctica, "Dakshin Gangotri" was commissioned in 1983 and was functional until 1987. In
1988, the second Indian permanent station "Maitri", with modern infrastructural facilities for
conducting contemporary scientific research was established in the Schirmacher Oasis.
Dakshin Gangotri station is now maintained as a supply base. Scientists from diverse fields
drawn from national laboratories, institutes and universities are provided with adequate
opportunities to carry out experiments in all major branches of Polar Science. The logistic
support is extended by the various wings of the Defence Services and Laboratories of the
Defence Research and Development Organisation.
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