10:16 | New Delhi (India), Mar. 19.
Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer and his
Indian counterpart, Dr. S. Jaishankar, reaffirmed their commitment in New Delhi to strengthening the bilateral strategic relationship, establishing conditions to promote India's investment in Peru, and enhancing cooperation in areas of common interest.
Likewise, they agreed to expedite negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Both ministers highlighted the economic complementarity between their nations and the opportunities for mutual development.
As part of the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue —India's leading geopolitics and geo-economics forum— both senior officials emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations through cooperation in key areas such as technological innovation, pharmaceuticals, environment, defense, trade, investment, and tourism.
Furthermore, they recognized the historical and cultural value of Peru and India as ancient civilizations with a shared vision for growth.
During the meeting, the growth of bilateral trade with India was highlighted, with the South Asian country consolidating its position in 2024 as Peru's fourth-largest trading partner and the second in Asia, reaching a historic record of US$5.797 billion in trade.
In this context, Minister Schialer presented to India the advantages of investing in the logistical and production hub of the Peruvian central coast, which consists of the Ports of Chancay and Callao, Jorge Chavez International Airport, and the two production zones of Ancon and Chancay.
This hub is key for exporting agricultural, industrial, mineral, and food products from South America to Asian markets.
Additionally,
both ministers formalized an agreement between the National Archives of India and the General Archive of the Nation (Peru), an initiative that will preserve and digitize the documentary heritage of both countries, promoting access and dissemination of their historical collections.
Minister Jaishankar graciously accepted his Peruvian counterpart's invitation to visit Peru in the near future, announcing that he looks forward to doing so this year.
Raisina Dialogue
During his participation in the Raisina Dialogue, Minister Schialer reaffirmed Peru's stable economic and commercial environment.
Similarly, the Peruvian ambassador highlighted India as a key partner for sustainable investment and development.
Moreover, the diplomat emphasized Peru's commitment to strengthening international ties and seeking solutions that generate tangible benefits for citizens, reducing social gaps and boosting infrastructure development.
Minister Schialer also defined our country's foreign policy as one of "active neutrality," distancing itself from competing geopolitical blocs while prioritizing external actions that directly benefit the Peruvian population.
The Peruvian delegation at the event included Ambassador to India, Javier Paulinich, the Director General for Asia and Oceania at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Fernando Quiros, and Peruvian mission diplomatic officials.
With this renewed momentum for FTA negotiations, Peru and India are moving towards a stronger and more beneficial trade relationship, aiming to consolidate growth and development opportunities for both nations.
(END) NDP/JMP/MVB
Published: 3/19/2025