**Executive Summary**
On May 21, 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and South Korea's Minister of Patriots & Veterans Affairs, Mr. Kwon Oh-eul, inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park, Seoul. Marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, the memorial honors the humanitarian contributions of the 60 Para Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India. The event included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen veteran cooperation and concluded the Raksha Mantri's four-day diplomatic visit.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Commemorative Significance**
* The memorial serves as a tribute to the 60 Para Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India (CFI) for their service during the Korean War.
* The project was funded by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, to reflect the shared history and friendship between the two nations.
* The site is located at Imjingak Park, the same area where the CFI established ‘HIND NAGAR’ in 1954 to house 22,000 prisoners of war.
**Historical Contributions**
* **60 Para Field Ambulance:** Led by Lt Col (Dr) AG Rangaraj, this unit treated thousands of wounded personnel and civilians, earning the title ‘Maroon Angels.’
* **Custodian Force of India (CFI):** Under Lt Gen KS Thimayya, the CFI chaired the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) to facilitate the humane repatriation of prisoners post-1953.
* The Republic of Korea has dedicated the current month to the honor of Colonel Rangaraj.
**Diplomatic and Bilateral Outcomes**
* A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to facilitate cooperation in honoring veterans and increasing bilateral exchanges.
* A commemorative memoir was released to document and remember the sacrifices of the soldiers.
* The inauguration reinforces the "India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership" and strengthens people-to-people understanding.
**Impact Analysis**
**Government of India (Ministry of Defence)**
**Impact**
The Ministry funded the memorial to solidify diplomatic ties and ensure the historical contributions of the Indian Army receive international recognition.
**Action Required**
Continue implementing the provisions of the signed MoU regarding veteran cooperation and bilateral exchanges.
**Government of the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Patriots & Veterans Affairs)**
**Impact**
The Ministry provided support for the memorial's establishment and utilizes the site to acknowledge India's role in the Korean Peninsula's peace and humanitarian efforts.
**Action Required**
Collaborate with Indian counterparts to facilitate the exchange programs and veteran honoring ceremonies outlined in the MoU.
**Indian Military Veterans and Descendants**
**Impact**
Veterans of the 60 Para Field Ambulance and the CFI, as well as their families, receive formal acknowledgement of their service and sacrifices through the memorial and the newly released memoir.
**Action Required**
Engage with the commemorative programs and exchange opportunities created by the new bilateral agreement.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian War Memorial (Imjingak Park, Seoul): A tribute to the humanitarian service and sacrifices of Indian troops during the Korean War, inaugurated on its 75th anniversary.
60 Para Field Ambulance: The Indian Army unit, also known as the 'Maroon Angels,' recognized for providing exemplary medical service and humanitarian aid during the Korean War.
India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership: The formal bilateral diplomatic framework between the two nations, which is reinforced by the shared military history and commemorative events.
Custodian Force of India (CFI): The Indian force responsible for the repatriation and custody of prisoners of war post-armistice, which established the 'HIND NAGAR' camp.
Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC): An international commission chaired by India that facilitated the humane repatriation of prisoners of war following the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri and Minister of Patriots &
Veterans Affairs, Republic of Korea inaugurate
Indian War Memorial in Seoul
A fitting tribute to Indian troops’ valour, sacrifice &
humanitarian contribution during Korean War
Posted On: 21 MAY 2026 10:45AM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Patriots & Veterans Affairs, Republic of Korea (RoK)
Mr Kwon Oh-eul jointly inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park, Seoul on May 21, 2026.
Constructed as part of the commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, 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.The two Ministers laid a wreath at the memorial and paid homage to the brave Indian personnel whose
service continues to be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by the people of the Republic of
Korea.
In his remarks, Raksha Mantri highlighted the enduring legacy of India’s contribution to peace and
humanitarian assistance on the Korean Peninsula. He noted that 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.Shri Rajnath Singh added that commemorating the role of Indian troops helps strengthen people-to-people
understanding and brings renewed attention to the historic bonds between the two countries. On behalf of
the Government of India, he extended deep appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Korea,
particularly the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, for their valuable support and cooperation in the
establishment of the memorial.
The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea expressed deep appreciation for
India’s role during the Korean War. He acknowledged the lasting bonds of friendship forged through the
sacrifices and humanitarian service of Indian troops.An MoU was signed by the two Ministers aimed at cooperation for honouring the veterans of the Korean
war and strengthening exchanges between them. A memoir was also released in remembrance of the
selfless sacrifice of the soldiers.
The 60 Para Field Ambulance, commanded by Lt Col (Dr) AG Rangaraj, Maha Vir Chakra, earned
widespread recognition for its exemplary medical service & dedication in treating thousands of wounded
soldiers and civilians under extremely challenging conditions of crossfire. Their unmatched bravery and
humanitarian approach earned them the title of ‘Maroon Angels’, given to them by the wounded soldiers
and civilian population of RoK.
India also played a pivotal role in the post-armistice phase of the Korean War through CFI, which was
entrusted with the responsibilities under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC). The
NNRC, chaired by India under the leadership of Lt Gen KS Thimayya, was established to facilitate the
humane repatriation and custody of prisoners of war following the signing of the Korean Armistice
Agreement in 1953.
The CFI carried out this sensitive and complex responsibility with professionalism, impartiality &
compassion, earning international recognition for its contribution to peace, reconciliation and
humanitarian principles on the Korean Peninsula. Lt Gen Thimayya’s distinguished leadership and
diplomatic acumen remain an enduring symbol of India’s constructive and peace-oriented role during the
Korean War.
The Indian War Memorial has been constructed in the same area where the CFI had established the ‘HIND
NAGAR’ in September 1954, housing almost 22,000 prisoners of war till their peaceful repatriation. The
project has been undertaken with funding support from the Ministry of Defence, Government of India,
reflecting India’s deep respect for the shared history and enduring friendship between the two countries.The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, military representatives, veterans,
members of the diplomatic community and distinguished guests. Ms Kalpana Prasad, niece of Lt Col (Dr)
AG Rangaraj, was also present on the occasion. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Korea has
dedicated this month in the honour of Colonel Rangaraj.
The commemoration served as an important effort to revive and honour a significant yet relatively lesser-
known chapter of shared India-Republic of Korea history. The contributions of Indian personnel during
the Korean War remain a powerful symbol of India’s long standing commitment to peace, humanitarian
assistance and international cooperation. With the inauguration of the Indian War Memorial, Raksha
Mantri has concluded his four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.
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VK/Savvy
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