Rajnath Singh Unveils Indian War Memorial in South Korea
Inauguration of the Indian War Memorial
File image of Rajnath Singh during the inauguration of a new Indian war memorial in Korea (Photo: @bilkulonline/X)
New Delhi, May 21: On Thursday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially opened the Indian War Memorial located in Seoul, South Korea, honoring the sacrifices of Indian soldiers during a special ceremony.
This memorial has been established as part of the 75th-anniversary celebrations of the Korean War, serving as a tribute to the bravery and humanitarian efforts of the 60 Para Field Ambulance of the Indian Army and the Custodian Force of India (CFI) during the conflict.
During the unveiling at Imjingak Park, Rajnath Singh was accompanied by the Minister of Patriots & Veterans Affairs from South Korea.
Both ministers laid a wreath at the memorial, paying their respects to the courageous Indian soldiers, whose contributions are deeply appreciated by the people of South Korea.
The event saw participation from high-ranking officials from both nations, military representatives, veterans, diplomats, and other distinguished guests. This month has been dedicated by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Korea in honor of Colonel Rangaraj.
Rajnath Singh emphasized the lasting impact of India's role in promoting peace and humanitarian efforts on the Korean Peninsula, noting that the shared history and sacrifices of both countries form a robust foundation for the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
He remarked that recognizing the contributions of Indian troops fosters mutual understanding and highlights the historic ties between the two nations.
Singh also expressed gratitude to the Korean government for its support in establishing the memorial, which is situated in the same area where the CFI had set up 'HIND NAGAR' in September 1954, accommodating nearly 22,000 prisoners of war until their peaceful return.
This commemoration represents a significant effort to honor a crucial yet often overlooked chapter in the shared history of India and the Republic of Korea.
The role of Indian personnel during the Korean War stands as a testament to India's enduring commitment to peace, humanitarian aid, and international collaboration.
The inauguration of the Indian War Memorial also marked the end of Rajnath Singh’s four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.