Rajnath Singh, South Korean Minister Inaugurate Indian War Memorial in Seoul

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 Wednesday, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and honouring the contribution of Indian troops during the conflict.

According to the Defence Ministry, the memorial has been constructed to pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and humanitarian service of the 60 Para Field Ambulance of the Indian Army and the Custodian Force of India (CFI), which played a significant role during and after the Korean War.

The two Ministers laid wreaths at the memorial and paid homage to the Indian personnel, whose service continues to be remembered with gratitude by the people of South Korea.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Singh highlighted India’s enduring contribution to peace and humanitarian assistance on the Korean Peninsula. He said the sacrifices and shared history between India and South Korea form a strong foundation for the growing Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

He also thanked the South Korean government, particularly the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, for supporting the establishment of the memorial. The South Korean Minister praised India’s humanitarian role during the war and acknowledged the lasting bonds of friendship forged through the service of Indian troops.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two countries to strengthen cooperation in honouring Korean War veterans and promoting exchanges between them. A memoir dedicated to the sacrifices of the Indian soldiers was also released on the occasion.

The 60 Para Field Ambulance, led by Lt. Col. (Dr.) A.G. Rangaraj, Maha Vir Chakra, earned widespread acclaim for treating thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians under difficult battlefield conditions. Their compassion and bravery earned them the title “Maroon Angels” from the Korean people.

India also played a key role after the armistice through the Custodian Force of India under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission chaired by Lt. Gen. K.S. Thimayya, overseeing the humane repatriation of prisoners of war.

The memorial stands at the site where the CFI had established “HIND NAGAR” in 1954, which housed nearly 22,000 prisoners of war before their peaceful repatriation. The ceremony marked the conclusion of Mr. Singh’s four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.