India to replace current Maitri station in Antarctica to expand research activity

India has decided to replace the Maitri research station in Antarctica with a new one in the next three to four years. 

The country is also drafting laws to safeguard its interest in Antarctica and is poised to expand its research activity in the coldest continent. "The Maitri station will be replaced by a new station in the next three to four years," Ministry of Earth Sciences secretary Madhavan Nair Rajeevan said here today.

Speaking on the sidelines of a programme to formally commence ship building by Titagarh Wagons Ltd, he said India is poised to expand its research activity in the coldest continent and a new ship, with special ice-cutting facility, will be procured for the purpose.

Rajeevan said the country is also drafting its own laws to safeguard its interest in Antarctica, which has to be vetted by the Law Ministry. "India does not have laws for Antarctica and is currently governed by international laws," he said.