India took the opportunity to express gratitude for Peru's active participation in the Voice of Global South Summit
The third India-Peru Joint Commission Meeting, held on September 18, 2024 in Lima, discussed steps to further solidify the growing relationship between India and Peru. Co-chaired by Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, and John Peter Camino Cannock, Peru’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, the meeting explored new avenues of cooperation in commerce, energy, defense, digital infrastructure, traditional medicine, and science and technology.

This high-level interaction underscored the deepening of diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations. Both sides reviewed their bilateral relations comprehensively, with a strong focus on collaborative partnerships that would benefit both countries in the coming years.

India took the opportunity to express gratitude for Peru's active participation in the Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS). Former Peruvian Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea played a significant role in the third edition of the summit held in August 2024. Secretary Mazumdar also extended his thanks to Peruvian President H.E. Ms. Dina Boluarte and former Vice Foreign Minister Ambassador Higueras for their contributions to the first and second editions of the VOGSS.

A significant moment in the meeting was India’s congratulatory message to Peru on the occasion of its bicentenary celebrations. Peru, which marked 200 years of independence, shares a deep historical bond with India, built on shared values of democracy, development, and diplomacy.

Discussions during the Joint Commission Meeting spanned several sectors, aiming to build a robust framework for future cooperation. Both countries emphasized the need for closer ties in commerce and trade, looking to enhance bilateral exchanges. Energy, mining, and defense were identified as critical areas where both countries could engage more deeply.

Additionally, the partnership in digital public infrastructure, traditional medicine, and science and technology was identified as a strong opportunity for collaboration. The Joint Commission focused on practical steps to move forward in these sectors, with particular attention to the potential benefits for both nations' economies and technological advancement.

India and Peru also discussed relevant multilateral and regional issues, reaffirming their shared commitment to working together in international organizations. The two countries noted their cooperation in multilateral forums and reiterated their shared goal of promoting peace, stability, and development in the global arena. Both India and Peru are active participants in various international bodies, including the United Nations, where they have worked together on numerous global issues, from climate change to trade regulation.

One of the significant outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to exchange visits frequently and periodically organize trade, cultural, educational, and bilateral events. Both sides expressed a strong interest in enhancing people-to-people connections, particularly through cultural and educational exchanges.

India's vibrant cultural diplomacy has long been a cornerstone of its foreign relations. The agreement to organize more bilateral events and promote educational exchanges will provide both countries with opportunities to learn from each other’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary innovations. 

Before the commencement of the Joint Commission Meeting, Secretary Mazumdar paid a floral tribute at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Lince Park, Lima, on September 17, 2024.

Mazumdar also launched the ‘Swachhata hi Seva’ campaign at the Indian Embassy in Lima. As part of the event, he administered the Swachhata pledge to Embassy officials and supervised the cleanliness drive undertaken by the Embassy. In a symbolic gesture, he planted a 'Tree of Life' under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign at the Embassy premises, reinforcing India's commitment to environmental sustainability.

A key event during the visit was the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. Secretary Mazumdar, along with Peruvian Vice Foreign Minister Peter Camino and Vice Education Minister Cecilia del Pilar García Díaz, celebrated this milestone with over 100 ITEC alumni.

The ITEC program has long been a significant platform for capacity building and technical training. Since its inception in 1964, the program has provided training opportunities to over 200,000 officials from 160 countries, including Peru. 

On September 19, 2024, Secretary Mazumdar also met with Peruvian Vice Minister of Health Eric Ricardo Pena Sanchez to discuss expanding cooperation in the health and pharmaceutical sectors. The conversation centered on sharing India’s expertise in affordable healthcare and pharmaceuticals, with both sides eager to explore collaborative projects that could benefit public health in both countries. India’s pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in the world.

The third India-Peru Joint Commission Meeting showcased the strength of the bilateral relationship between the two countries and laid the groundwork for future collaboration. Both sides agreed to maintain regular high-level interactions and continue working together to promote trade, cultural exchanges, and educational opportunities.

As India and Peru continue to build on their partnership, the future promises to bring even greater cooperation in areas like commerce, technology, defense, and healthcare. The Joint Commission Meeting reaffirmed the mutual commitment of both nations to deepen their ties and contribute to global development through collaboration and shared values.

With new agreements on the horizon and strong diplomatic ties in place, the India-Peru partnership is poised to grow even stronger in the years to come.