Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday paid tribute to Indian soldiers who served during the Korean War at a commemorative ceremony held at Imjingak Peace Park in South Korea, acknowledging their sacrifice and humanitarian contribution during the conflict. The event marked the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, where Singh honoured the bravery of Indian troops who participated in peacekeeping and medical support roles. He said the memorial stands as a symbol of courage, compassion, and sacrifice, while also reflecting the long-standing friendship between India and South Korea.

Referring to India’s role during the war, the Defence Minister noted that when the Korean Peninsula was engulfed in conflict, India upheld its responsibility toward global peace. He specifically highlighted the contribution of the 60 Para Field Ambulance unit, which provided essential medical support during the war. On arrival at the memorial, Singh was received by South Korean official Kwon Oh-eul and visited a photo exhibition showcasing the role of Indian forces in the Korean War.

The ceremony included the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and the unveiling of memorial signage in the presence of senior officials from both countries. Military bands from India and South Korea performed the national anthems, adding a formal tone to the event. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the memorial, followed by a two-minute silence and the playing of the Last Post to honour fallen soldiers.

Speaking at the event, Kwon Oh-eul appreciated the role of Indian personnel during the war and emphasized the importance of preserving the shared heritage between the two nations. During the ceremony, the Korean War Hero Certificate for May 2026 was presented to Ms. Kalpana Prasad, niece of Colonel A.G. Rangaraj, in recognition of his distinguished service in the war. Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back, reviewing the entire spectrum of defence cooperation between the two countries. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in defence production, maritime security, logistics, emerging technologies, and regional stability.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening ties in line with India’s Act East Policy and South Korea’s regional strategy, stressing a shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Several MoUs were signed to boost cooperation in defence cyber security, training exchanges between military institutions, and UN peacekeeping operations.

Singh also met with Lee Yong-chul of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration, where both sides explored opportunities for joint development, production, and defence exports. A roadmap for the India–Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem (KIND-X) was also discussed to strengthen technological collaboration.

Later, the Defence Minister chaired a business roundtable with defence industry leaders from both countries, focusing on manufacturing partnerships, co-production, and supply chain development. He highlighted India’s growing defence industrial base and invited South Korean companies to participate in initiatives under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme, while appreciating the increasing cooperation between industries of both nations.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.