India is all set to commission third permanent station, named as 'Bharti', in Antarctica by March next year. The first permanent research station in the South Polar region was set up by India twenty years ago.

After 'Bharti' becomes operational, India will join the league of select nations that have multiple operation stations in the region. The National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research – NCAOR Director Rasik Ravindra stated that the new station is located almost 3,000 km away from the existing 'Maitri' station which has been serving the nation since its inception in 1988-89.