Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwar has emphasised the need for a sister city agreement between Bengaluru and Peru to strengthen cooperation in trade, education and healthcare while deepening ties between India and the South American nation.
Speaking at the 205th Independence Day celebrations of Peru in Bengaluru on June 28, Parameshwar said the proposed partnership would open new avenues for bilateral collaboration and economic growth.
Sister city pact to boost cooperation
Parameshwar said signing the sister city agreement would improve Bengaluru’s engagement with Peru across multiple sectors, including trade, education and health.
He noted that the partnership has the potential to contribute significantly to bilateral trade between India and Peru, with expectations of increasing trade by nearly $10 billion.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted Karnataka’s leadership in the technology sector, stating that the state contributes nearly 40 per cent of India’s information technology and biotechnology output.
He added that the strong investment commitments received during the recent Global Investors Meet reflect Karnataka’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for global investment.
Shared history of freedom movements
Drawing historical parallels, Parameshwar said the liberation movements in Latin America shared several similarities with India’s struggle for Independence led by Mahatma Gandhi.
He noted that both movements were driven by aspirations for freedom, self-determination and justice, creating a strong foundation for enduring ties between India and Peru.
Dignitaries attend celebrations
The event was attended by Peru’s Ambassador to India, Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, and Honorary Consul of Peru in Bengaluru, Vikram Vishwanath, along with government officials, diplomats and members of the Peruvian and Indian communities.
The celebrations highlighted the growing friendship between the two countries and underscored opportunities for greater collaboration in business, education, technology and cultural exchange.