Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a three-day visit to South Korea to strengthen strategic military cooperation between the two nations. On Thursday, he jointly inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park near Seoul, marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. Here’s why this joint memorial park is significant.
Why The New Indian War Memorial In Seoul Holds Special Significance?
According to Hindustan Times, Rajnath Singh and South Korean Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul inaugurated the Indian War Memorial in Seoul, South Korea. The memorial commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and honours the contribution of Indian troops during the conflict.
Taking to X, the Indian Defence Minister wrote, “The memorial stands as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and humanitarian service rendered by the 60 Para Field Ambulance of the Indian Army and the Custodian Force of India (CFI) during the war.”
He added, “The enduring legacy of India’s contribution to peace and humanitarian assistance on the Korean Peninsula is truly remarkable. 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.”
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75th Anniversary Of Korean War
The memorial commemorates India’s humanitarian and military contribution during the Korean War, fought between North and South Korea from 1950 to 1953 with support from their respective allies. The conflict claimed the lives of more than 2.5 million civilians.
It honours the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Ambulance unit, the Custodian Force of India (CFI), and India’s extensive medical and humanitarian assistance during the war. Led by Lieutenant Colonel AG Rangaraj, who was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the 60 Para Field Ambulance unit deployed 627 personnel and treated over 2,22,000 wounded soldiers and civilians during the three-year conflict, according to HT.
After the war ended with the July 1953 armistice agreement, India continued to play a significant role in the post-war process through its 5,500-member Custodian Force of India, which functioned under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission.
The Indian War Memorial in Seoul has been built at the site where the Custodian Force established ‘Hind Nagar’ in September 1954. The camp housed nearly 22,000 prisoners of war before they were repatriated.
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Cover Image Courtesy: X/rajnathsingh
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Where is the Indian War Memorial located in South Korea?
The memorial is located at Imjingak Park near Seoul in Seoul, close to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
When was the memorial inaugurated?
The Indian War Memorial was inaugurated on May 21, 2026, by Rajnath Singh and South Korea’s Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul.
Why was the memorial built?
The memorial honours the bravery, sacrifice, and humanitarian service of Indian personnel during the Korean War (1950–53), especially the 60 Para Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India (CFI).
What role did India play in the Korean War?
India did not send combat troops but contributed medical aid, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping forces. Indian soldiers treated thousands of wounded civilians and soldiers during the war.