Dakshin Gangotri in Antarctica

• It was set up in 1983, two years after India’s first expedition there. 
• Dakshin Gangotri is now submerged under ice, but India’s two other stations, Maitri and Bharti, are in use. 
• It is governed by the Antarctic Treaty.
  • India, which joined the treaty in 1983, is also a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty.

Global Polar Research Vessels

• Norway’s RV Kronprins Haakon (2018): It can break 1m-thick ice and is equipped with advanced sensors and robotics.
• Russia’s Akademik Tryoshnikov (2012): It is a heavy-duty Arctic vessel used for long missions and hydroacoustic studies.
• USA’s RV Sikuliaq (2014): This PRV breaks up to 0.76m ice and is designed for dynamic, multidisciplinary research.
• China’s Xue Long 2 (2019): It is a bi-directional icebreaker (1.5m thick ice) with high-end research and logistics capability.

Maritime Initiatives of India

• SAGAR  (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Initiative: SAGAR focuses on Economic cooperation, Regional security, Environmental protection, Disaster management and Information sharing.
• MAHASAGAR: MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) was announced as an expansion of SAGAR for deeper regional integration.
• Sagarmala 2.0: India’s new maritime infrastructure programme to: Bridge port and logistics gaps, Promote shipbuilding, repair, and recycling, Position India as a global maritime leader.