External affairs minister Salman Khurshid is all set to plant India’s diplomatic flag in the cold and hostile environs of Antarctica when he visits Earth’s southernmost continent on Wednesday. His journey to the cold continent will come about during his on-going visit to Chile and Argentina.
The minister, who reached Chile on Tuesday on the first leg of his two-nation tour, will undertake the journey to Antarctica from there. Rather than being just an aside to other diplomatic business, the trip will serve to signify the importance both India and Chile attach to working together in this cold continent.
Mr Khurshid will head for Antarctica from Puenta Arenas (Chile), which overlooks the Strait of Magellan and has claims to being the southernmost city on earth.
The continent’s status is regulated by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and other related agreements.
India has had a presence on the icy continent since 1983.
Of his visit an official said, “It will put cooperation and scientific research on Antarctica as an important item on the bilateral agenda.”