Antarctic Treaty
Topic: World Physical Features and Natural Regions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 and came into force in 1961. It keeps Antarctica for peace and science only. It bans military activity and nuclear tests there. It also freezes the land claims of seven countries, so no one can push new claims or expand old ones. A later agreement, the Madrid Protocol (1991, in force 1998), bans mining in Antarctica. India joined the treaty in 1983 and became a consultative party the same year, which means it can vote on decisions.
Example
India runs research stations in Antarctica under the treaty: Maitri (1989, Schirmacher Oasis) and Bharati (2012, Larsemann Hills). India passed the Indian Antarctic Act in 2022. It hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting at Kochi in 2024.
Don't confuse with
- Arctic Council: this is a forum of the eight Arctic states, not a treaty that freezes claims. Arctic land belongs to those countries.