Rajnath Singh and Kwon Oh-eul jointly inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park in Seoul on May 21, 2026, marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and honouring the courage, sacrifice and humanitarian service of Indian troops during the conflict.
The memorial has been built to commemorate the contributions of the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Ambulance unit and the Custodian Force of India (CFI), both of which played vital humanitarian and peacekeeping roles during and after the Korean War. During the ceremony, the two ministers laid wreaths at the memorial and paid tribute to the Indian soldiers whose bravery and service continue to be remembered with deep respect in the South Korea.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s enduring commitment to peace and humanitarian assistance on the Korean Peninsula. He said the shared sacrifices and historical ties between India and South Korea continue to strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
He added that commemorating the role of Indian troops would further deepen people-to-people relations and draw renewed attention to the historic bonds shared by India and South Korea. He also thanked the South Korean government, especially the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, for supporting the construction of the memorial. Kwon Oh-eul expressed appreciation for India’s role during the Korean War and acknowledged the lasting friendship forged through the sacrifices and humanitarian efforts of Indian troops.
During the event, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at cooperation in honouring Korean War veterans and promoting exchanges between them. A memoir dedicated to the sacrifices of the soldiers was also released. The Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Ambulance unit, commanded by Lt Col (Dr) A.G. Rangaraj, Maha Vir Chakra, earned international recognition for providing medical treatment to thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians under extremely difficult battlefield conditions. Because of their courage and humanitarian work, the people of South Korea gave them the title “Maroon Angels.”
India also played a major role after the war through the Custodian Force of India, which operated under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC). The commission, chaired by Lt Gen K.S. Thimayya, was responsible for overseeing the humane repatriation and custody of prisoners of war after the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953. The Custodian Force of India carried out its responsibilities with professionalism, neutrality and compassion, earning international respect for contributing to peace, reconciliation and humanitarian principles on the Korean Peninsula. Lt Gen Thimayya’s leadership during the process remains an important symbol of India’s peace-oriented diplomatic role during the Korean War.
The Indian War Memorial has been constructed at the same location where the Custodian Force of India had established “Hind Nagar” in September 1954. The camp housed nearly 22,000 prisoners of war before their peaceful repatriation. The memorial project was funded by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, reflecting India’s respect for the shared history and friendship between the two nations.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, military representatives, veterans, diplomats and distinguished guests from both countries. Ms Kalpana Prasad, niece of Lt Col Rangaraj, was also present at the event. South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has dedicated the month in honour of Colonel Rangaraj.
With the inauguration of the Indian War Memorial, Rajnath Singh concluded his four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.
