India’s next chapter in the world’s southernmost continent, Antarctica, is all set to unfold. The Finance Ministry has granted approval for Maitri II — the country’s newest research station proposed to come up in eastern Antarctica.

Once built and readied by January 2029, Maitri II will become India’s fourth research base on the frozen continent.

Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is the nodal agency responsible for operating and organising missions to Antarctica and the Arctic.

The plan for Maitri II was first proposed in late 2023. The in-principle approval was granted on October 4 this year.

NCPOR director Thamban Meloth told The Indian Express : “Maitri II will be built in eastern Antarctica. It has a f

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