The Antarctic Parliament is a concept that refers to a governing body or legislative assembly proposed to oversee the governance of Antarctica. As of now, there is no formal Antarctic Parliament. Instead, Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), which is an international agreement that regulates the continent.

The Antarctic Parliament is a concept that refers to a governing body or legislative assembly proposed to oversee the governance of Antarctica. As of now, there is no formal Antarctic Parliament. Instead, Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), which is an international agreement that regulates the continent.

The ATS, established in 1959 and entering into force in 1961, sets aside Antarctica for peaceful purposes and scientific research. It prohibits military activity, mineral mining, and nuclear testing while promoting international cooperation in scientific investigations. The Antarctic Treaty System includes the original treaty and several related agreements, such as the Protocol on Environmental Protection (Madrid Protocol) and the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

The concept of an Antarctic Parliament might involThe Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) includes several agreements that are managed by member countries. Here are the key components:

1. **Antarctic Treaty (1959)**: Establishes Antarctica as a zone of international cooperation for scientific research and prohibits military activity.

2. **Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol) (1991)**: Establishes Antarctica as a natural reserve, dedicated to peace and science, and outlines strict environmental protection measures.

3. **Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) (1980)**: Aims to conserve marine life in the Southern Ocean by managing fisheries and protecting ecosystems.

4. **Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972)**: Regulates the hunting of seals in Antarctic waters.

### Membership and Relevance to India

**Members of the Antarctic Treaty System:**

- The Antarctic Treaty has over 50 parties, including major nations such as the United States, Russia, China, and European countries. These member countries are known as Consultative Parties and have the right to participate in decision-making processes.

**India’s Involvement:**

- **Consultative Status**: India is a Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty, having achieved this status in 1983. This allows India to participate in decision-making and influence policies related to Antarctica.

  

- **Research Stations**: India operates research stations in Antarctica, such as Maitri (established in 1989) and Bharati (established in 2015). These stations support scientific research in areas such as climate change, glaciology, and marine biology.

- **Scientific Collaboration**: India collaborates with other nations on various scientific projects in Antarctica, contributing to global research efforts and understanding of the continent’s environment.

India’s involvement in the Antarctic Treaty System and its research activities highlight its commitment to international cooperation and scientific exploration in one of the most remote and ecologically sensitive regions of the world.ve creating a representative body to manage and make decisions on issues related to the continent's governance, scientific research, and environmental protection. However, as of now, decisions regarding Antarctica are made through international negotiations and agreements among the signatories of the Antarctic Treaty.