Indian War Memorial honouring Korean War veterans inaugurated in Seoul
Seoul, May 21. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and South Korea’s Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul on May 21 jointly inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park near Seoul, commemorating India’s contribution during the Korean War and marking the 75th anniversary of the conflict.
The memorial honours the service and sacrifices of the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Ambulance unit and the Custodian Force of India (CFI), both of which played key humanitarian and peacekeeping roles during and after the Korean War. The two ministers laid wreaths at the memorial and paid tribute to Indian personnel whose contributions continue to be remembered in South Korea.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rajnath Singh said India’s role in providing humanitarian assistance and supporting peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula remains an enduring pillar of the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership. He noted that remembering the sacrifices of Indian soldiers would further deepen people-to-people ties and reinforce the historical bonds shared by the two countries.
The Defence Minister also thanked the South Korean government, particularly the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, for supporting the construction of the memorial. Kwon Oh-eul, in turn, expressed appreciation for India’s role during the war and acknowledged the lasting friendship forged through the humanitarian service and sacrifices of Indian troops.
During the event, the two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in honouring Korean War veterans and promoting exchanges between them. A memoir dedicated to the sacrifices of soldiers who served during the conflict was also released.
The 60 Para Field Ambulance unit, commanded by AG Rangaraj, earned international acclaim for treating thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians under difficult battlefield conditions. The unit became widely known as the “Maroon Angels” for its medical service and humanitarian efforts.
India also played a significant post-war role through the Custodian Force of India under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, which was chaired by KS Thimayya. The commission was tasked with overseeing the custody and repatriation of prisoners of war after the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian War Memorial has been built at the site where the CFI had established “Hind Nagar” in 1954 to house nearly 22,000 prisoners of war before their repatriation. The project was funded by India’s Ministry of Defence as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, military representatives, diplomats, veterans and members of the Indian and Korean communities. Among those present was Kalpana Prasad, niece of Lt Col Rangaraj. South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has also dedicated the month in honour of Colonel Rangaraj.
The inauguration marked the conclusion of Rajnath Singh’s four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.
