Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, 20 May laid a wreath at the National Cemetery of Korea in Seoul, paying tribute to soldiers who gave their lives in service of the nation during his official visit to South Korea. The visit is aimed at reinforcing India–Republic of Korea (ROK) defence cooperation and deepening the bilateral strategic partnership.

Singh's Tribute at the National Cemetery

Posting on X, Singh said: '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.'

The solemn gesture underscores the historical and strategic depth of India's relationship with South Korea — a relationship rooted partly in shared sacrifice during the Korean War.

Key Bilateral Engagements Planned

During his stay in Seoul, Singh is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with South Korea's Minister of National Defence, Ahn Gyu-back. The two ministers will review existing defence cooperation frameworks and explore new initiatives to strengthen bilateral engagement. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared concern.

Singh is additionally scheduled to meet Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Lee Yong-cheol, and chair an India–Korea business roundtable — signalling that the visit carries significant defence-industry and procurement dimensions beyond diplomatic optics.

India's Historic Role in the Korean War

The Ministry of Defence, ahead of Singh's departure, highlighted India's substantial contribution to the Korean War. The 60 Parachute Field Ambulance of the Indian Army served for more than three years, treating over two lakh patients and performing approximately 2,500 surgeries, besides providing care to civilians.

India also chaired the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission — an Indian proposal accepted by the United Nations — under which the Custodian Force of India, a 5,230-strong Indian Army contingent, oversaw the peaceful repatriation of nearly 2,000 prisoners of war in the post-war phase. This chapter remains one of India's most consequential contributions to multilateral peacekeeping.

Indian War Memorial Inauguration Set for 21 May

In a landmark development, a joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial has been planned for 21 May, with Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Kwon Oh-eul, presiding alongside Singh. The memorial is expected to serve as a permanent symbol of India's solidarity with South Korea and its fallen soldiers.

Seoul Visit Follows Hanoi Leg

Singh arrived in Seoul after concluding a two-day visit to Hanoi, during which India and Vietnam further strengthened their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The back-to-back visits reflect a broader Indian strategic outreach across the Indo-Pacific, with defence diplomacy at its core.

As Singh's Seoul engagements unfold, the inauguration of the Indian War Memorial on 21 May is set to be the centrepiece of a visit that blends historical remembrance with forward-looking defence collaboration.