India, South Korea Inaugurate Indian War Memorial in Seoul Honouring Korean War Heroes.
Seoul:
In a landmark tribute to the courage and humanitarian service of Indian soldiers during the Korean War, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Republic of Korea’s Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul jointly inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park near Seoul on Thursday.
The memorial has been established as part of the commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. It stands as a symbol of remembrance for the valour, sacrifice, and humanitarian contribution of the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Ambulance unit and the Custodian Force of India (CFI), both of which played crucial roles during and after the war.
During the ceremony, the two ministers laid wreaths at the memorial and paid homage to Indian soldiers whose dedicated service earned enduring respect from the people of South Korea. Senior officials, military representatives, veterans, diplomats, and distinguished guests from both nations attended the solemn event.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s historic role in maintaining peace and providing humanitarian support on the Korean Peninsula. He stated that the sacrifices and shared history between India and South Korea continue to strengthen the foundations of the India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
The Defence Minister said commemorating the role of Indian troops would deepen people-to-people ties and renew awareness of the historic bonds shared by the two nations. He also expressed gratitude to the South Korean government, particularly the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, for supporting the construction of the memorial.
South Korean Minister Kwon Oh-eul praised India’s contribution during the Korean War and acknowledged the lasting friendship forged through the bravery and compassion of Indian soldiers.
On the occasion, both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in honouring Korean War veterans and promoting exchanges between veterans of the two countries. A commemorative memoir dedicated to the sacrifices of Indian soldiers was also released.
A major focus of the memorial is the extraordinary service rendered by the 60 Para Field Ambulance unit of the Indian Army, commanded by Lt Col (Dr) A.G. Rangaraj, a recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra. The unit earned widespread admiration for treating thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians amid intense crossfire and battlefield conditions. Their courage and humanitarian spirit earned them the affectionate title of “Maroon Angels” from the Korean people.
India’s contribution extended beyond battlefield medical support. Following the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement, India chaired the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) under the leadership of Lt Gen K.S. Thimayya. The commission was responsible for overseeing the repatriation and custody of prisoners of war.
The Custodian Force of India carried out the sensitive responsibility with professionalism, impartiality, and compassion, gaining global recognition for promoting peace and reconciliation. Lt Gen Thimayya’s leadership remains one of the most respected examples of India’s peace-oriented diplomacy during the Korean conflict.
The Indian War Memorial has been built at the same site where the Custodian Force of India had established “Hind Nagar” in September 1954. The camp housed nearly 22,000 prisoners of war before their peaceful repatriation. The memorial project was funded by India’s Ministry of Defence as a reflection of the enduring friendship and shared historical legacy between India and South Korea.
Among the distinguished attendees was Ms Kalpana Prasad, niece of Lt Col Rangaraj. Notably, South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has dedicated the current month in honour of Colonel Rangaraj for his remarkable humanitarian service during the war.
The inauguration ceremony marked the conclusion of Rajnath Singh’s four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea. The event also served as an important effort to revive awareness of a lesser-known yet significant chapter in India-South Korea relations, reaffirming India’s longstanding commitment to peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and international cooperation.
