Antarctic treaty system

 The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on 1959 by 12 countries and entered into force in 1961 and has since been acceded to by many other nations. The total number of Parties to the Treaty is now 53.

 The primary purpose of the Antarctic Treaty is to ensure "in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord."

 It prohibits military activity, except in support of science; prohibits nuclear explosions and the disposal of nuclear waste; promotes scientific research and the exchange of data; and holds all territorial claims in abeyance.

 India officially acceded to the Antarctic Treaty System in 1983. In 1983, the country became the fifteenth Consultative Member of the Antarctic Treaty.