Introduction:

India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have strong historical, social, and cultural ties. Hyecho, a
Buddhist monk from then-Korea, visited India during his voyages and pilgrimages in 723 AD, arriving
in 724. He remained for a few years before departing for China in 729.

Civilisational ties date back to ancient times, and India and South Korea established formal bilateral
relations in 1962. Ambassador-level relations were strengthened over the next decade. During the
1950-1953 Korean War, India supplied a field ambulance and also sponsored the Resolution that
ended the war.

Geographically, the two countries are quite far apart. This, however, has played no significant role in
a growing friendship and camaraderie. A series of partnerships and agreements have been pledged
and implemented by successive South Korean and Indian governments to ensure that India-ROK
relations remain stable. The end result has been a fruitful and flourishing relationship.

Buddhist kinship between India and Korea

In the year 48 AD, a Princess from Ayodhya came to Korea, married King Kim-Suro of the Gaya
Confederacy, Korea, and became Queen Hur(Heo) Hwang-ok, according to "SamgukYusa" or "The
Heritage History of the Three Kingdoms" written in the 13th century. This lineage is traced by many
Koreans. In the early days, many monks travelled between the two countries, providing another link.
However, another school of thought holds that Buddhism arrived in Korea much earlier, in the first
century AD, via a maritime route via the brothers of Queen Heo. Some Korean monks have also
expressed their support for this viewpoint.

INDIA-ROK DEFENCE RELATIONS

India and the Republic of Korea share the same Independence Day, August 15th, and both gained
independence within two years of each other (i.e. 1947 and 1945 respectively). Under the auspices
of the United Nations, Korea held its first general elections in 1948. The United Nations appointed
India as Chairman of the nine-member United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea (UNTCOK)
tasked with organising and supervising the elections. Mr KPS Menon was the Chairman of this
Commission, and he was instrumental in the peaceful and highly representative elections held in
May 1948, which resulted in the formation of the first democratically elected government of the
independent Republic of Korea.

India's Role in the Korean War and in the Armistice

India made significant contributions during the Korean War (1950-53) and the years following the
Korean Armistice (1953). It sent out an Army Medical Unit, the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance,
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel AG Rangaraj, Mahavir Chakra. The unit arrived in Busan
on November 20, 1950, and was initially stationed in Pyongyang on November 29, 1950. It was then
divided into two sub-units, the "Forward Elements," which were grouped with the 27th British
Brigade, and the "Administrative Elements," which were relocated to Daegu to assist the Korean
Army Hospital while also treating civilians. On July 1, 1951, the unit was assigned to the 28 British
Brigade as part of the Commonwealth Division. It took part in a number of operations, including "OP
TOMAHAWK" with the 8th US Army in the Munsan area from March 23 to March 31, 1953, and "OP
COMMANDO" until August 23, 1953. During its deployment, the unit contributed 627 ranks and
treated over 222,324 patients, including civilians, earning numerous awards and appreciation.
During its entire tenure, the 60 Parachute Field Ambulance lost three soldiers and injured 23 others
while supporting combat operations.

The Korean War (1950-53) ended in July 1953 with an armistice agreement. The Indian proposal for
ending the Korean War at the UNGA was eventually adopted, resulting in the formulation of the
"Armistice Agreement." Czechoslovakia, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and India were invited to
form the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC), and collectively nominated India to lead
the NNRC. Lieutenant General K.S. Thimmaya was appointed as Chairman of the NNRC, whose role
was to supervise the exchange of POWs. Major General SSP Thorat led India's Custodian Forces-India
(CFI) Brigade Group, which included 5500 troops of all ranks. The CFI was in charge of over 25,000
POWs and assisted in their repatriation to their home countries. President Syngman Rhee of the
Republic of Korea accused Indian leadership of supporting communist forces and presented all
possible impediments to task implementation. Under immense pressure from the United States and
other Commonwealth nations, reluctant support was eventually provided. The Indian troops'
discipline, neutrality, fair play, and firmness were admired even by their detractors.

India dispatched one Brigade Group designated as Custodian Forces -India (CFI) comprising 5230
personnel to Korea, under Major General SSP Thorat which was instrumental in resolving the
Prisoners of War issue. Recently, PM Narendra Modi gave a video message during an event to
commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War in 2020. An exhibition to commemorate
India’s contribution to Korean War in March 3, 2022 was organised which was attended by ROK
Minister of Patriots and Veteran Affairs. A commemorative book was also released on the
occasion.