Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on a two-day visit to South Korea laid a wreath at the National Cemetery and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, including those who died in the Korean War.

On the first day of his visit, Modi unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the prestigious Yonsei University in Seoul along with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

“PM Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the National Cemetery of Republic of Korea that entombs remains of 165000 martyrs and paid homage to the fallen soldiers,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Honouring the heroes. PM @narendramodi laid a wreath at the National Cemetery of Republic of Korea that entombs remains of 165000 martyrs and paid homage to the fallen soldiers. pic.twitter.com/5KtWqGzbF9 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 22, 2019

Established in 1956, the Seoul National Cemetery is reserved for Korean veterans, including those who died in the Korean independence movement, Korean War and Vietnam War.

The prime minister was also accorded a ceremonial reception at the official residence of South Korean President Moon.

“PM Narendra Modi was accorded an official reception at the The Blue House, the executive office and official residence of President Moon in Seoul,” Kumar said in a tweet.

Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth.

The award was presented to him by the Seoul Peace Prize Foundation at a grand ceremony here. A short film on the life and achievements of Prime Minister Modi was also screened at the event.

While conferring the award on Modi, the award committee recognised his contribution to the growth of Indian and global economies, crediting ‘Modinomics’ for reducing social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor.

Award dedicated to people of India. PM @narendramodi was conferred #SeoulPeacePrize in an award ceremony organised by Seoul Peace Prize Foundation in recognition of his efforts in promoting global peace & harmony through inclusive economic growth & improving quality of life. pic.twitter.com/cOrYVQymUY — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 22, 2019

The committee also credited him for his contribution toward regional and global peace through a proactive policy with countries around the world.

Modi is the 14th recipient of the award and the past laureates included former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and renowned international relief organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam.

The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul. The award was established to crystalise Korean people’s yearning for peace on the Korean peninsula and in the rest of the world.