Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has proposed a landmark "Sister City Agreement" between Bengaluru and Lima, the capital of Peru, in a move aimed at strengthening cooperation across a range of sectors, including trade, education, innovation, healthcare and cultural exchange, officials said on Monday.
The proposal is being viewed as an important step towards deepening economic engagement and diplomatic relations between India and the Republic of Peru, while creating new opportunities for institutional collaboration between the two cities.
According to an official statement, Parameshwara made the proposal while addressing a high-level diplomatic reception held in Bengaluru on June 28 to commemorate the 205th Independence Day of the Republic of Peru and celebrate 63 years of diplomatic relations between India and Peru.
During his address, the Deputy Chief Minister drew historical parallels between Peru's struggle for independence in Latin America and India's freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. He said both nations share a legacy rooted in democracy, resilience and inclusive development, values that continue to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Also read: Vijay urges citizen-centric governance at collectors’ conference
Highlighting Karnataka's growing global prominence, Parameshwara said the state has firmly established itself as India's leading technology and innovation hub. He noted that Karnataka contributes more than 40 per cent of the country's IT software exports and biotechnology production, reinforcing its position as a key driver of India's knowledge economy.
He also pointed to the strong response received during the recently concluded Global Investors Meet, saying it reaffirmed Karnataka's reputation as one of the world's most preferred destinations for investment and business expansion.
"A Sister City partnership between Bengaluru and a leading city in Peru will open new institutional channels for collaboration in trade, education, healthcare, technology, innovation and cultural exchange. This initiative has the potential to serve as a catalyst for expanding bilateral trade between India and Peru to USD 10 billion in the coming years," Parameshwara said.
Also addressing the gathering, Peruvian Ambassador to India Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde described Bengaluru as one of the world's foremost centres of innovation and entrepreneurship. He invited Indian companies and investors, particularly those from Karnataka, to explore the growing investment opportunities available in Peru.
"Bengaluru has established itself as a global centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. We encourage investors and business leaders from Karnataka to expand their presence in Peru and become partners in our country's growth story," the Ambassador said.
He further emphasised Peru's interest in strengthening collaboration with Indian technology firms in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, fintech, cybersecurity and space technologies. According to the Ambassador, these high-growth sectors represent key pillars for future bilateral cooperation and hold immense potential to elevate the strategic partnership between India and Peru in the years ahead.
Follow us
