By Honorary Reporter Titiksha Devrani from India
The Korean Embassy in New Delhi on June 3 holds a ceremony to deliver protective masks to Indian veterans of the Korean War amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Embassy of Korea in India)
Korea and India combined their diplomatic prowess during the Korean War to champion peace. The conflict saw the participation of many countries both directly and indirectly, one of them being India.
At the time, India had recently attained independence and even as its leaders were trying to establish economic, social and political stability, they were aware of the need to advocate for peace in the global legislative arena. Recognizing this, they extended their support to the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. As such, the war was an important event in the shared political history of both countries.
India was one of several countries requested by the United Nations to help the Republic of Korea during the war. India had two roles in extending its support: sending material assistance and offering diplomatic intervention to help resolve the situation with minimal damage on all sides.
India sent a medical aid unit. From November 1950 to April 1954, 627 military personnel from India's 60th Para Field Ambulance were on the front line, with two killed in action. From September 1953 to April 1954, 6,000 Indian soldiers were dispatched to form the Custodian Force India to look after and monitor North Korean prisoners of war.
India also took up the diplomatic role of mediator during the war. The Indian government advocated support for U.N. Security Council decisions that would restore global normalcy. Thus the bilateral friendship has a solid foundation in the shared sentiment of diplomacy and peace.
Since the Korean War period, these harmonious ties have only strengthened. Seoul will honor New Delhi's support during the war by commemorating the Indian officer who played a critical role during that period. As part of events to mark the 70th anniversary of the war's outbreak this year, the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will honor Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj as "Korean War Hero of the Month" for July. He was India's first paratrooper who played a crucial role in assisting medical operations during the war.
His picture will also be displayed at the Korean War Memorial in Seoul and other public places. The honoring of this Indian hero again showcases the mutual respect, regard and support that the two countries have cultivated in their bilateral association over the years.
A saying goes that the strongest friendships are often forged in times of distress. The bilateral friendship between the two countries is an enduring example of this. And this shows how the Korean War is both a testimony and witness to the coming together of two countries who fought for peace during chaos.
chaey0726@korea.kr
*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.