75th anniversary of the Korean War

Syllabus: GS1/World History

Context

• The Defence Minister and Republic of Korea’s Minister jointly inaugurated the Indian War Memorial in South Korea, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Korean War and honouring the contribution of Indian troops.

Background of Korean War

• After World War II, Korea, which had been under Japanese rule, was divided along the 38th Parallel.
  • The northern part came under Soviet influence and became North Korea under Kim Il Sung.
  • The southern part came under American influence and became South Korea under Syngman Rhee.
  • Both governments claimed legitimacy over the entire Korean Peninsula.

Course of the War

• North Korean invasion (1950): On 25 June 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea.
  • The UN Security Council condemned the invasion and authorized military assistance to South Korea.
• UN counteroffensive: UN-led forces launched the successful battle of Inchon  called Inchon Landing. North Korean troops were pushed back close to the Chinese border.
• Chinese intervention: China entered the war in late 1950 fearing a hostile force near its border. Chinese forces pushed UN troops southward, leading to heavy casualties and prolonged fighting.
• The war eventually settled near the original 38th Parallel.
  • In 1953, an armistice agreement was signed, no formal peace treaty was signed, meaning the two Koreas are technically still at war.
  • It established a cessation of hostilities and created the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 2.5-mile-wide buffer zone dividing the peninsula.

Major Outcomes

• Permanent division of Korea into North Korea and South Korea.
• Strengthening of Cold War military alliances.
• Expansion of American military presence in East Asia.
• Rise of China as an important military power in global politics.

Role of India

• Diplomatic Mediation and Peace Efforts: India consistently advocated a peaceful resolution of the conflict and worked through the United Nations to prevent escalation of the war during the Cold War.
• Chairing the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC): India chaired the NNRC, which was responsible for supervising the repatriation and exchange of prisoners of war after the 1953 armistice.
• Deployment of Custodian Force India (CFI): India sent the Custodian Force India to manage and protect prisoners of war who refused immediate repatriation.
• Humanitarian and Medical Assistance: India deployed the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Unit, which provided medical treatment and humanitarian assistance to wounded soldiers and civilians during the war.

Source: TH