Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute to Korean War Heroes at National Cemetery in Seoul, Reaffirms Strong India–South Korea Defence Ties

Seoul, May 2026 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday paid solemn tribute to fallen soldiers at the National Cemetery of Korea during his official visit to South Korea, underscoring India’s commitment to strengthening defence and strategic cooperation with the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Singh, who is on a multi-day official visit aimed at deepening India–ROK defence relations, laid a wreath at the memorial and honoured the sacrifice of Korean soldiers who gave their lives in service of their nation. The ceremony reflected the shared respect between the two countries for military valour, sacrifice, and national service.

Taking to social media platform X, Singh wrote: “Laid wreath at the National Cemetery of Korea and paid homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service of their nation. Their courage, dedication and spirit of patriotism remain an enduring source of inspiration. India stands in solidarity with the Republic of Korea in honouring the legacy of its heroes.”

He further emphasized that his visit would help strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including defence technology, security collaboration, and strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

Earlier, upon his arrival in Seoul, the Defence Minister stated that the visit would provide an important opportunity to deepen India–South Korea relations and enhance collaboration between the two nations in a wide range of defence and strategic sectors. His visit follows a two-day engagement in Hanoi, where India and Vietnam reinforced their already strong Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During his stay in South Korea, Singh is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks with South Korea’s Minister of National Defence, Ahn Gyu-back. The discussions are expected to include a comprehensive review of ongoing defence cooperation and exploration of new initiatives to further expand military, industrial, and technological collaboration between the two countries.

Both sides are also expected to exchange views on regional and global security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where evolving geopolitical dynamics have increased the importance of strategic partnerships.

In addition, Singh will meet Lee Yong-cheol, Minister of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), to discuss defence procurement and industrial cooperation. He will also chair the India–Korea Business Roundtable, aimed at enhancing collaboration between defence industries of both nations and encouraging greater private sector participation.

According to the Ministry of Defence, India’s role in the Korean War remains one of the most significant chapters in bilateral history. India had contributed a 60 Parachute Field Ambulance unit of the Indian Army, which served for over three years and treated more than two lakh patients, including thousands of civilians, while performing around 2,500 surgeries. This humanitarian mission is widely regarded as a landmark contribution to post-war relief efforts.

India also played a crucial diplomatic role by chairing the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, an initiative proposed by India and accepted by the United Nations. Under this arrangement, the Custodian Force of India, comprising 5,230 personnel, facilitated the peaceful repatriation of nearly 2,000 prisoners of war after the conflict.

To further honour shared history and sacrifice, a joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial is scheduled for May 21, to be held with Kwon Oh-eul, South Korea’s Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. The event is expected to further strengthen the historical and emotional bonds between the two nations.