Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and South Korea's former Minister for Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-yul jointly inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park in Seoul on Thursday. Mr. Singh is on a two-day visit to South Korea.
The Ministry of Defense stated that the memorial, built as part of commemorative programs on the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, is dedicated to the bravery, sacrifice, and humanitarian service shown by the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India during the war. Both ministers paid floral tributes at the memorial and paid homage to the brave Indian soldiers, whose services are still remembered with great respect and gratitude by the people of Korea today. The Defense Minister mentioned India's long-standing legacy of cooperation in the Korean Peninsula for peace and humanitarian aid. He said that the shared history and sacrifices of both countries are a strong foundation for the India-Republic of Korea special strategic partnership.
Mr. Singh said that the memory of the role of Indian soldiers strengthens mutual understanding among people and renews attention to the historical relationship between the two countries. On behalf of India, he appreciated the cooperation and patronage extended by the Korean government, particularly the former Ministry of Veterans Affairs, for the establishment of the memorial. South Korea's former Minister for Veterans Affairs praised India's role during the Korean War. He acknowledged the enduring friendly relations established through the sacrifices and humanitarian services of Indian soldiers. A memorandum of understanding was signed by both ministers, aimed at honoring Korean War veterans and strengthening exchanges between them. A commemorative journal was also released in memory of the selfless sacrifices of soldiers.
The 60 Para Field Ambulance, led by Lieutenant Colonel (Dr.) A.G. Rangaraj, (Maha Vir Chakra), earned widespread recognition for its outstanding medical services and dedication by treating thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians in extremely difficult and shelling conditions. Due to their unparalleled bravery and humanitarian perspective, Korean wounded soldiers and civilians called them 'Maroon Angels'.
India played a significant role in the post-armistice phase of the Korean War through the Custodian Force of India, which was entrusted with responsibilities under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission. The commission, headed by Lieutenant General K.S. Thimayya, was established in 1953 after the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement to ensure the return and protection of prisoners of war on humanitarian grounds.
The Custodian Force of India performed this sensitive and complex task with professional expertise, neutrality, and compassion, earning international recognition for its contribution to peace, reconciliation, and human values in the Korean Peninsula. Lieutenant General Thimayya's outstanding leadership and diplomatic skills have become a lasting symbol of India's constructive and peace-loving role during the Korean War.
The Indian War Memorial has been built in the same area where the Custodian Force of India established 'Hind Nagar' in September 1954, where approximately 22,000 prisoners of war were kept until their peaceful repatriation. The project was completed with financial support from India's Ministry of Defense, reflecting India's deep respect for the shared history and enduring friendship between the two countries.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, military representatives, veterans, members of the diplomatic community, and distinguished guests from both countries. Lieutenant Colonel (Dr.) A.G. Rangaraj's niece, Ms. Kalpana Prasad, was also present on the occasion. South Korea's former Ministry of Veterans Affairs has dedicated this month to honor Colonel Rangaraj.
The commemorative ceremony was a significant effort to revive and pay tribute to an important yet relatively lesser-known chapter in the shared history of India and Korea. The contribution of Indian soldiers during the Korean War has become a strong symbol of India's long-standing commitment to peace, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation. With the inauguration of the Indian War Memorial, the Defense Minister concluded his four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.