Karnataka Seeks Sister City Partnership with Peru, Targets USD 10 Billion Trade

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has proposed a historic Sister City Agreement between Bengaluru and Lima , the capital of Peru, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, education, healthcare, innovation and cultural exchange.

The proposal was announced during a high-level diplomatic reception held in Bengaluru on June 28 to mark the 205th Independence Day of Peru and celebrate 63 years of diplomatic relations between India and Peru , according to an official statement issued on Monday.

Calling the initiative a significant step towards deepening economic and diplomatic ties, Parameshwara said a formal partnership between the two cities would create new institutional avenues for collaboration across multiple sectors. He expressed confidence that the initiative could help expand India-Peru bilateral trade to USD 10 billion in the coming years.

Highlighting Karnataka's position as India's technology powerhouse, the Deputy Chief Minister said the state contributes more than 40 per cent of the country's IT software exports and biotechnology production . He added that the strong response to the recently concluded Global Investors Meet reaffirmed Karnataka's status as one of the world's most attractive investment destinations.

During his address, Parameshwara also drew parallels between Peru's Latin American liberation movement and India's freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi, saying the two nations continue to be guided by shared values of democracy, resilience and inclusive development.

Peruvian Ambassador to India Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde described Bengaluru as one of the world's leading innovation hubs and invited businesses from Karnataka to explore investment opportunities in Peru.

He said Peru was keen to collaborate with Indian companies in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, fintech, cybersecurity and space technologies , identifying them as key areas for future bilateral cooperation.