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The Korean War: A Pivotal Event in 20th-Century History
Introduction: The Korean War, despite halting hostilities in 1953 with an armistice agreement, never formally concluded, leaving North and South Korea technically in a state of ongoing conflict. This unresolved situation significantly impacts regional geopolitics to this day.
About:
- The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, and significantly impacted East Asia and global affairs.
- Around 2.5 million people, including civilians and military personnel, perished during the war.
- The war ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953, not a peace treaty, leaving North and South Korea technically still at war.
The Divide in the Korean Peninsula:
- Colonial Rule and Liberation: Korea, ruled by Japan from 1910 to 1945, gained independence after Japan’s surrender in WWII.
- Temporary Division: Allied forces divided Korea at the 38th parallel to manage Japanese surrender.
- US and Soviet Influence: The US controlled the south, and the USSR controlled the north, establishing separate governments.
- Permanent Division: By 1948, North Korea (DPRK) and South Korea (ROK) were officially established, each claiming legitimacy over the entire peninsula.
Outbreak of the Korean War:
- Invasion by North Korea: On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces, backed by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea.
- International Response: The UN condemned the invasion and called for withdrawal. The US led a coalition of UN forces to assist South Korea.
- Conflict Escalation: The war became a protracted and bloody conflict lasting three years.
Legacy of the Korean War:
- Continued Armistice: The Korean Peninsula remains divided, contributing to ongoing tensions and militarisation.
- US-South Korea Alliance: The US established a lasting military presence and economic support in South Korea.
- China’s Role: China demonstrated its commitment to supporting communist regimes and maintains a strategic partnership with North Korea.
- Russia’s Involvement: Russia has also emerged as a North Korean ally, trading weapons and providing support.
India’s Role in the Korean War:
- India played a crucial role in the Korean War, maintaining neutrality while advocating for peninsula reunification.
- It proposed the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) and led it alongside Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, and Czechoslovakia.
- The Custodian Forces of India (CFI), including the 190 Infantry Brigade and 60 Para Field Ambulance, ensured prisoner welfare without engaging in force.
- Despite harsh conditions and challenges in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), India’s efforts, recognised by the UN, facilitated prisoner repatriation and left a lasting impact on Korean Peninsula dynamics amid lingering tensions.
