In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in Antarctic research and environmental preservation, India and Australia convened their first Senior Officials’ Consultation (SOC) on Antarctica on February 13, 2025, through a virtual meeting. The dialogue focused on scientific collaboration, environmental protection, logistics coordination, and governance frameworks under the Antarctic Treaty System.
High-Level Participation from Both Sides
The Indian delegation was led by Ms. Paramita Tripathi, Joint Secretary, Oceania and Indo-Pacific Divisions, Ministry of External Affairs, while the Australian side was represented by Mr. Adam McCarthy, Chief Counsel and First Assistant Secretary, Legal Division, along with Ms. Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia.
Additionally, representatives from India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Australian Antarctic Division participated in the discussions, highlighting the scientific and diplomatic significance of the meeting.
Key Areas of Discussion
The SOC covered a broad spectrum of Antarctic-related issues, including:
✔ Scientific and Environmental Research Collaboration – Strengthening joint research initiatives on climate change, biodiversity conservation, and marine ecosystems in Antarctica
✔ Logistics and Infrastructure Cooperation – Enhancing coordination on transportation, resource-sharing, and emergency response mechanisms for research expeditions
✔ Antarctic Treaty System and Governance – Reinforcing commitment to international legal frameworks, ensuring sustainable and responsible activities in Antarctica
✔ Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange – Encouraging scientific exchange programs and training opportunities for researchers from both nations
Strengthening India-Australia Antarctic Collaboration
Both nations share a strong history of polar research and exploration. India operates two active research stations in Antarctica, Maitri and Bharati, while Australia has three major stations: Casey, Davis, and Mawson. Given their geographical proximity to Antarctica, both countries aim to enhance logistical cooperation and scientific exchanges to contribute meaningfully to Antarctic sustainability and governance.
✔ India and Australia are active members of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), committed to preserving the continent for peaceful and scientific purposes
✔ Both countries play a key role in the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), ensuring sustainable marine biodiversity management
✔ Joint initiatives in glaciology, climate monitoring, and atmospheric sciences are expected to expand further
Way Forward: Deepening Antarctic Cooperation
The successful first SOC on Antarctica has laid the foundation for a long-term collaborative roadmap between India and Australia in Antarctic affairs. The two sides have agreed to:
✔ Expand joint research programs in climate change and glaciology
✔ Enhance logistics and operational coordination for Antarctic expeditions
✔ Strengthen engagement in multilateral Antarctic governance forums
✔ Facilitate increased people-to-people exchanges among scientists and researchers
The consultation marks a new milestone in India-Australia scientific diplomacy, underscoring their shared commitment to the sustainable exploration and conservation of Antarctica. Future engagements will continue to build on this partnership, ensuring greater cooperation in one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions.