Inauguration of Indian War Memorial in South Korea
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Kwon Oh-eul, inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park in Seoul. The event commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and paid tribute to Indian troops' contributions during the conflict.
Key Highlights
- The memorial honors the courage, sacrifice, and humanitarian service of the 60 Para Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India (CFI).
- Wreaths were laid by both ministers to pay homage to Indian personnel remembered with gratitude by South Korea.
- India’s Enduring Contribution: Rajnath Singh emphasized India's role in peace and humanitarian aid on the Korean Peninsula, reinforcing the Special Strategic Partnership between India and South Korea.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- An MoU was signed to strengthen cooperation in honoring Korean War veterans and promoting exchanges.
Tributes and Recognition
- A memoir was released to honor the sacrifices of Indian soldiers.
- The 60 Para Field Ambulance, led by Lt. Col. (Dr.) A.G. Rangaraj, was lauded for treating thousands under challenging conditions, earning the title “Maroon Angels.”
- Post-armistice, India played a crucial role through CFI, under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission chaired by Lt. Gen. K.S. Thimayya, aiding in the humane repatriation of prisoners of war.
Historic Significance
- The memorial is located at the former site of "HIND NAGAR," which housed 22,000 prisoners of war before their repatriation.
The inauguration marked the end of Rajnath Singh's visit to Vietnam and South Korea.
