Col. (Dr.) Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay (Retd), Research Fellow, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), presented on “India’s Engagement with the Korean Peninsula: Challenges and Opportunities 75 Years after the War” during the Monday Morning Meeting on 1 September, 2025. The session was moderated by Dr. Ranjit Kumar Dhawan, Associate Fellow, MP-IDSA. Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy, Director General, MP-IDSA, and scholars of the Institute attended the meeting.

Executive Summary

The session explored India’s historical and present-day engagement with the Korean Peninsula on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. Col. (Dr.) Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay (Retd.), Shaurya Chakra, provided an in-depth account of the peninsula’s history, tracing the origins of the war and its aftermath, while emphasising India’s distinctive role as a neutral yet active participant. He highlighted India’s humanitarian and diplomatic efforts through the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance, the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC), and the Custodian Force of India (CFI).

The discussion highlighted Korea’s strategic importance, situated at the intersection of major powers like, China, Russia, Japan, and the United States, and the enduring impact of this geopolitical context on regional stability. It noted the contrasting trajectories of the two Koreas: South Korea’s transformation into a vibrant democracy and global economic leader, and North Korea’s continued isolation under a dynastic regime pursuing nuclear capabilities. India’s role and legacy in Korea, though often overlooked, remain relevant in shaping contemporary bilateral relations.

Detailed Report

The session opened with moderator, Dr. Dhawan inviting Col. Pillay to share his analysis of India’s engagement with the Korean Peninsula. He further provided the context for the development of Indo-Korean relations- the involvement of USA, China and Soviet Union; the Truman Doctrine; efforts by Ambassador K.M. Panikkar; and India’s humanitarian involvement during the Korean War.

Col. Pillay outlined the peninsula’s historical trajectory, from its early history through the Cold War, highlighting India’s involvement during the Korean War and drawing out lessons of relevance to contemporary geopolitics.

Col. Pillay opened by placing Korea within its long historical trajectory, from the era of the Three Kingdoms and the Silla unification in 668 CE, through the Goguryeo and Joseon dynasties, to the period of Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945. He emphasised that Korea’s geographical position, bordered by Russia, China, and Japan, and influenced by the United States through its military presence in the South, rendered it particularly susceptible to geopolitical pressures. The division at the 38th parallel was institutionalised following the Yalta Conference, with the Soviet Union assuming control of the North and the United States supporting the South.

Focusing on the Korean War, Col. Pillay shared that on 25 June 1950, North Korea invaded the South with Soviet military assistance, later bolstered by large-scale Chinese troop deployments. In response, the United States and the United Nations Command intervened in support of South Korea, sparking a brutal three-year war that claimed more than three million lives. The conflict concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula technically still in a state of war.

India sought to assume a mediating role during the crisis. Prime Minister Nehru cautioned against advancing beyond the 38th parallel, anticipating Chinese intervention—warnings that ultimately went unheeded. While India refrained from aligning militarily with either bloc, it made notable contributions through humanitarian assistance and diplomatic engagement.

Col. Pillay emphasised that India’s role in the Korean War was both unique and multifaceted. One of the most notable contributions was the deployment of the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance, a unit of 17 officers and 329 men, which became the only front-line medical unit of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade. Over the course of three and a half years, this unit treated nearly 200,000 wounded, conducted around 2,300 field surgeries, and trained Korean doctors and nurses. Alongside its humanitarian work, India also played a diplomatic role through its representatives, including K.M. Panikkar and B.N. Rau, who were instrumental in drafting the 1952 UN armistice resolution that was unanimously adopted on 3 December 1952.

India further contributed by chairing the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC), which included Poland and Czechoslovakia from the Communist bloc and Sweden and Switzerland from the Western world. The NNRC was led by Lieutenant General K.S. Thimayya, while Major General Thorat commanded the Custodian Force of India (CFI), a brigade-sized force of about 6,000 soldiers deployed to manage over 22,000 prisoners of war. The CFI supervised their repatriation process, and in a significant humanitarian gesture, 88 prisoners who refused to return to either side were granted asylum by India and later resettled in neutral countries such as Brazil and Argentina. Importantly, India undertook all these responsibilities at its own expense, which underscored its commitment to neutrality and humanitarian principles during the conflict.

Col. Pillay stated that India’s role in the Korean War is commemorated with respect in South Korea, though it remains relatively underappreciated within India’s own public memory. Recently an Indo-Korean Friendship Park was built, however it was not enough to gain public recognition for the efforts. While memorials in South Korea acknowledge Indian contributions, domestic recognition has been limited.

The Speaker underscored that the legacy of India’s involvement provides avenues to deepen India–South Korea engagement in political, economic, and cultural spheres. At the same time, he stressed the need for India to remain vigilant regarding the security challenges posed by North Korea’s nuclear program and the broader strategic rivalry between the United States and China in East Asia.

Questions and Comments

Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy observed that India’s role in the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) should be understood within the broader framework of its diplomatic engagements of the period, particularly its interactions with China.

MP-IDSA scholars drew parallels between division of Germany and Korea. Partiicipants believed that there was a need to collaborate with Korea for technological and innovative advances. However, there were certain concerns regarding South Korea’s willingness to collaborate on the same.

Observations were made about South Korea’s economic trajectory, particularly the influence of large conglomerates and the implications for broader economic inclusivity. Questions and observations raised during the session were addressed by the Speaker.

Report prepared by Ms. Srotaswini Hazarika, Intern, Non-Traditional Security Centre, MP-IDSA.