By Honorary Reporter Preeti Rawat from India

Photo: Korea.net Flickr, Korean Embassy in New Delhi

The Korean War (1950–53) was an important event that shaped Korean history.

India, which was still recovering from its bitter partition of 1947, stayed neutral when the war broke out. It did, however, offer medical assistance and sent its 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Platoon, a mobile army surgical hospital, to treat wounded soldiers, civilians and prisoners of war.

Led by Lt. Colonel A.G. Rangaraj, Indian troops arrived in Busan on Nov. 20, 1950, with medical supplies for six months. With no transportation available, it was difficult to move. Reluctant to abandon their supplies, the soldiers used an ancient steam locomotive to reach the site to provide high-quality medical care to soldiers amid fierce crossfire, earning the title "Maroon Angels." 

The team included surgeons, anesthesiological specialists and a dentist. The unit of 364 men officially became a medical evacuation unit for the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade on Dec. 14, 1950, and continued its support until returning home in February 1954.

Ribbons of peace hang under the barbed wire at the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas. (Photo: Korea.net on Flickr)

The Indian troops that took part in the war received official commendations from the Korean government. In July last year, the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs also named Rangaraj Korean War hero of the month. To honor him, a photo of him is displayed at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul and other public places in the country.

Meanwhile, the Indo-Korean relationship has grown stronger over the years. Both countries have held discussions on topics like major global developments, diversification of international value chains and cooperation in the defense industry. And since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Korea has offered help and medical assistance to India.

The Korean Embassy in New Delhi has distributed protective masks to Korean War veterans in India. (Photo: Korean Embassy in New Delhi)

kalhong167@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.