INTERVIEW
India and Peru have had a long history of collaboration on international platforms . Our countries support the establishment of a democratic and rulesbased international order and were founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement ( NAM ), which rose as a strong alternative to the bipolar politics of the Cold War era . Our shared belief in the principle of an equal and open world where sovereign nations can thrive as equals propelled the creation of the NAM .
Given India ' s growing role as an influential power in South Asia , which is home to nearly a quarter of the world ' s population , Peru feels that India and the region as a whole are not adequately represented at the United Nations Security Council ( UNSC ). Thus Peru supports India ’ s candidature for permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UNSC .
Peru also supports India ' s entry as member into the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ( APEC ), which can possibly take place when the moratorium on the admission of new members is lifted .
Both countries can offer to each other ' s citizens in terms of knowledge , cultural currency and natural heritage . The histories of both countries and their inherent cultural values can only be gleaned by experiencing these fi rst hand and interacting with locals .
The Peruvian tourism sector has been experiencing an increasing footfall from the subcontinent . What is being done to increase tourism to Peru from India and other countries in the region ?
We have adopted a multi-fold strategy to promote tourism to Peru , wherein we are looking to create both demand and supply simultaneously . The Commercial
Office of Peru has been actively involved in the execution of these activities , with some being aimed at the B2C segment and some being aimed at the B2B segment . MICE is another important segment which is growing , with Peru being of the most important MICE destinations in South America . Given that demand for MICE activities in India is growing , we will look to promote Indian travel to Peru for this purpose . The governments of both countries have also taken various steps to facilitate both business and personal travel between our two countries .
The Embassy of Peru in New Delhi has also recently launched four cookbooks on Peruvian cuisine as a way to promote Peru ’ s internationally acclaimed gastronomy and beverages among Indians and , thus , enthuse Indian travellers to experience Peruvian food and beverages first-hand by travelling to Peru . Indians love good food , and this can be a great motivator for them to travel to new places . Furthermore , Peru , like India , is home to a rich cultural heritage , which means there is plenty more for travellers to experience and revel in apart from food .
As of now , the figures are encouraging . Last year , 8,781 Indian travellers visited Peru , compared to 5,984 travellers in 2016 , showing a growth of 46.1 percent . The Embassy of Peru , along with the Commercial Office of Peru in India , will continue to work towards the promotion of Peru as a tourist destination , and we are certain that the numbers will increase further in the months to come .
What are your thoughts in terms of enhancing people-to-people ties between the two countries ?
India and Peru are similar in more ways than one . Both countries are cradles of civilisations , and home to rich cultural histories that date back to 5000 years .
There is much that both countries can offer to each other ' s citizens in terms of knowledge , cultural currency and natural heritage . The histories of both countries and their inherent cultural values can only be gleaned by experiencing these first hand and interacting with locals . Thus , it is only through building peopleto-people ties between the people of Peru and India that knowledge and experience sharing can take place , which will serve to broaden perspectives and heighten the camaraderie that exists between our two countries .
I invite the readers of the Diplomatist to learn more about Peru and to follow the activities of the Embassy through social media . I would also like to make an open invitation for them to register as members of the Indo-Peruvian Friendship Association ( INPEFA ). •
12 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 7 • July 2018 , Noida