Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Indian War Memorial in Seoul

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and South Korean Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul inaugurated the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park near Seoul on 21 May 2026. The memorial marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and commemorates the service of the 60 Para Field Ambulance and the Custodian Force of India.

Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park

Imjingak Park is located near Seoul in South Korea. The site earlier hosted Hind Nagar in September 1954, which housed about 22,000 prisoners of war before their repatriation.

60 Para Field Ambulance and Custodian Force of India

The memorial honours the 60 Para Field Ambulance of the Indian Army and the Custodian Force of India, both linked to the Korean War period of 1950 to 1953. The 60 Para Field Ambulance was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel AG Rangaraj, Maha Vir Chakra. The unit deployed 627 soldiers and treated more than 222,000 patients. The unit earned the nickname “Maroon Angels” during its service in Korea.

Ceremony and bilateral engagement

During the ceremony, both ministers laid wreaths and paid homage to Indian personnel. They also signed a memorandum of understanding for honouring Korean War veterans and for exchanges related to veterans’ remembrance. The memorial project was funded by India’s Ministry of Defence. The event formed part of Rajnath Singh’s four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953.
• Imjingak Park is a memorial site near Seoul in South Korea.
• Lieutenant Colonel AG Rangaraj received the Maha Vir Chakra.
• The 60 Para Field Ambulance treated more than 222,000 patients in Korea.