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 in Seoul on Thursday, paying tribute to the valour, sacrifice and humanitarian service of Indian troops during the Korean War.
Constructed as part of the commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, the memorial honours the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Ambulance unit and the Custodian Force of India (CFI) for their distinguished contribution during and after the conflict.
The two ministers laid wreaths at the memorial and paid homage to Indian personnel whose service, South Korea said, continues to be remembered with “deep respect and gratitude”.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s enduring contribution to peace and humanitarian assistance on the Korean Peninsula.
“He noted that the shared history and sacrifices of the two nations continue to serve as a strong foundation for the India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
The Defence Minister said commemorating the role of Indian troops would help strengthen people-to-people ties and bring renewed attention to the historic bonds shared by the two countries.
On behalf of the Government of India, he extended deep appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Korea, particularly the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, for their valuable support and cooperation in the establishment of the memorial.
South Korean Minister Kwon Oh-eul expressed “deep appreciation for India’s role during the Korean War” and acknowledged the lasting bonds of friendship forged through the sacrifices and humanitarian service of Indian troops.
During the ceremony, the two sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at cooperation in honouring Korean War veterans and promoting exchanges between them. A memoir commemorating the selfless sacrifice of Indian soldiers was also released.
The 60 Para Field Ambulance, commanded by Lt Col (Dr) AG Rangaraj, earned widespread acclaim for treating thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians under intense battlefield conditions. Their bravery and humanitarian service earned them the title “Maroon Angels” from soldiers and civilians in South Korea.
India also played a crucial role after the armistice through the Custodian Force of India, which operated under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) chaired by Lt Gen KS Thimayya. The commission was tasked with overseeing the humane repatriation of prisoners of war following the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement.
The CFI carried out the “sensitive and complex responsibility with professionalism, impartiality and compassion”, earning global recognition for its contribution to peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.
The memorial has been constructed at the same site where the CFI had established “Hind Nagar” in September 1954, which housed nearly 22,000 prisoners of war before their peaceful repatriation.
The event was attended by senior officials, military representatives, veterans, diplomats and distinguished guests from both countries. Among those present was Kalpana Prasad, niece of Lt Col Rangaraj. The South Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has also dedicated the month in honour of Colonel Rangaraj. With the inauguration of the memorial, Rajnath Singh concluded his four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.
