Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist July 2018 | Page 7

PROLOGUE
Peru and India, being cradles of ancient civilizations, share cultural,
archaeological and anthropological richness. Based on our abundant past, these
similarities enable us to move forward with determination to create a promising
present of reciprocal cooperation for our citizens within the framework of our
bilateral relations.
The relationship with India is broad and diverse and has its own challenges
and opportunities. The possibilities of expansion of the relationship in the areas
of cultural collaboration, scientifi c and technological innovation, are particularly
encouraging, as there is great mutual interest in strengthening cooperation in
these sectors.
If we draw a parallel with human life, it is evident that after 55 years, Peruvian-
Indian ties have attained a strong and healthy maturity, on the basis of an intense
and diversifi ed relationship. The same is proven by the substantial increase over
the last years in the number and level of visits exchanged; the number of bilateral
agreements signed, pending signature or in process of negotiation in a wide range
of sectors; the increase in the value of bilateral trade to US$ 2.78 billion in 2017;
as well as the rising number of Indian and Peruvian tourists and cultural exchange
activities. The latter are actively organised by both the Cultural Centre of the
Embassy of India in Peru and the Art Gallery of the Embassy of Peru in India.
The talks on a comprehensive trade agreement between Peru and India, the fi rst
agreement of its kind that India is negotiating with a Latin American country and the
carrying out of the fi rst meeting of the Peru-India Joint Commission, demonstrate
the political will of both countries to actively work towards a strategic association,
which shall bring great prosperity and well-being to our people.
The purpose of publishing this chronology is to showcase information, gathered
in a systematic way, on the development of bilateral relations in these 55 years.
Jorge Castañeda Mendez
Ambassador of Peru to India
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 7 • July 2018, Noida • 7