Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Republic of Korea Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul jointly inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park in Seoul on Thursday, 21 May, marking a tribute to the role of Indian personnel during the Korean War.
The memorial has been built as part of the commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.
It honours the courage, sacrifice and humanitarian service of the 60 Para Field Ambulance of the Indian Army and the Custodian Force of India (CFI) during the conflict.
Both ministers laid a wreath at the memorial and paid homage to Indian personnel whose service continues to be remembered in the Republic of Korea.
In his remarks, Singh highlighted India’s contribution to peace and humanitarian assistance on the Korean Peninsula.
He said the shared history and sacrifices of the two countries continue to serve as a strong foundation for the India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
Singh also said that commemorating the role of Indian troops helps strengthen people-to-people understanding and brings renewed attention to the historic bonds between the two countries.
On behalf of the Government of India, he thanked the Government of the Republic of Korea, particularly the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, for its support in establishing the memorial.
Kwon Oh-eul expressed appreciation for India’s role during the Korean War and acknowledged the friendship built through the sacrifices and humanitarian service of Indian troops.
The two ministers also signed an MoU for cooperation in honouring Korean War veterans and strengthening exchanges between them. A memoir was released in remembrance of the sacrifice of the soldiers.
The 60 Para Field Ambulance, commanded by Lt Col (Dr) A G Rangaraj, Maha Vir Chakra, earned recognition for its medical service during the Korean War. The unit treated thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians under difficult conditions of crossfire.
The wounded soldiers and civilian population of the Republic of Korea gave the unit the title of ‘Maroon Angels’ for its bravery and humanitarian work.
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India also played a major role after the armistice through the Custodian Force of India, which worked under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC).
The NNRC was chaired by India under the leadership of Lt Gen K S Thimayya.
The commission was set up after the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953 to support the humane custody and repatriation of prisoners of war.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Custodian Force of India carried out this sensitive responsibility with professionalism, impartiality and compassion, earning international recognition for India’s contribution to peace and humanitarian principles on the Korean Peninsula.
The Indian War Memorial has been constructed in the same area where the Custodian Force of India had established ‘HIND NAGAR’ in September 1954.
The facility had housed almost 22,000 prisoners of war until their peaceful repatriation.
The project was undertaken with funding support from the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, reflecting India’s respect for the shared history and friendship between India and the Republic of Korea.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, military representatives, veterans, members of the diplomatic community and other guests. Kalpana Prasad, niece of Lt Col (Dr) A G Rangaraj, was also present.̆
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Korea has dedicated this month in honour of Colonel Rangaraj.
The Ministry of Defence said the commemoration was an effort to revive and honour a significant but relatively lesser-known chapter of India-Republic of Korea history.
The inauguration of the Indian War Memorial also marked the conclusion of Singh’s four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.
