Synopsis
On February 21, 2023, South Korean Ambassador Lee Seong-ho and diplomats commemorated General K S Thimayya at the Indo-Korean Friendship Park, recognizing India's significant contributions during the Korean War. The visit reinforces the strong diplomatic ties between India and South Korea.Key Takeaways
- Ambassador Lee Seong-ho visits Indo-Korean Friendship Park.
- Tribute paid to General K S Thimayya.
- Highlighting India’s role in the Korean War.
- Parks symbolize India-South Korea relations.
- Commitment to strengthen Special Strategic Partnership.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) Lee Seong-ho, the Ambassador of South Korea in India, along with other senior diplomats, visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park in Delhi Cantonment on Friday, commemorating the invaluable contributions of Indian forces during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.
During the visit to this park, which stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between India and South Korea, the officials paid their respects to the late General K S Thimayya, a distinguished leader who commanded the Indian contingent as the Chairman of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) in Korea, which was led by India.
"Ambassador Lee Seong-ho and his team visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park on February 21 and honored General Thimayya, who led a UN unit responsible for prisoner repatriation after the Korean War," the South Korean Embassy in India shared on X.
"We also acknowledged that India provided the largest number of medical personnel during the Korean War. Remembering the lasting friendship between Korea and India, the Korean Embassy is committed to further enhancing our Special Strategic Partnership," the post continued.
The inaugural ceremony of India’s first Indo-Korean Friendship Park was held in March 2021, officiated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Korean Minister Suh Wook.
This park highlights India's significant contributions as part of the 21 nations that participated in the Korean War under the United Nations, developed in collaboration with India's Ministry of Defence, Indian Army, Delhi Cantonment Board, Embassy of Korea, and the Korean War Veterans Association of India.
Spanning an area of six acres, the park features a prominent handshake sculpture at the entrance, adorned with the flags of India and South Korea, along with a grand statue of General Thimayya.
The people of South Korea continue to hold General Thimayya, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions in Korea, in high regard. He also served as the Chairman of the NNRC post-armistice, aiding in the resolution of humanitarian issues stemming from the war.
Following Korea's independence in 1945, India played a pivotal role by dispatching an army medical unit, the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance, consisting of 627 medical personnel led by Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj during the Korean War as part of the UN Command. This unit provided care to approximately 220,000 patients. During the Korean War (1950-53), both conflicting sides agreed upon a UN resolution initiated by India, leading to a ceasefire on July 27, 1953.
The diplomatic ties between India and South Korea were elevated to a 'Special Strategic Partnership' in 2015 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to Seoul.
