During his visit to New Delhi—the first by a Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister in 38 years—The Blue Moon Magazine had the privilege of sitting down with H.E. Mr Elmer Schialer, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. In an engaging and insightful conversation, Minister Schialer delved into the motivations behind rekindling Peru-India relations, opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade, technology and renewable energy and his vision for deepening South-South partnerships amidst a shifting multipolar world order. He also highlighted Peru’s participation in the Raisina Dialogue and shared strategic perspectives on fostering inclusive growth, cultural diplomacy and addressing global challenges together.  

                                                                                                 --------Jjuliaa Gangwani

1. After 38 years, your visit to India marks a significant moment in Peru-India relations. What motivated this re-engagement, especially amid global geopolitical turbulence and the rise of a multipolar world order? How does this align with Peru's foreign policy priorities and what opportunities does it open for deeper collaboration?

H.E. : My visit underscores Peru’s commitment to diversifying partnerships in a multipolar era, prioritizing South-South collaboration and shared priorities such as sustainable development, technological innovation and inclusive trade. Amid global turbulence, aligning with India—a key Global South partner—opens avenues of collaboration for mutual benefit in trade and commerce, agriculture and food security, mining and minerals, renewable energy and the environment, education and culture, defense and security, tourism and connectivity, pharmaceuticals and particularly in information technology communications, while strengthening multilateral cooperation for a balanced world order.

2. The Raisina Dialogue is a prestigious platform addressing global challenges. What strategic importance does Peru attach to its participation and how do you see this aligning with Peru's national development goals? Are there key areas, such as economic partnerships, technological collaboration, or multilateral diplomacy, that Peru aims to prioritize at this forum?

H.E.: Peru's participation in the Raisina Dialogue underscores its commitment to multilateral engagement and advancing national priorities through global collaboration. Aligning with Peru’s development goals, this forum offers opportunities to strengthen economic partnerships, particularly in trade, sustainable infrastructure and investment and to foster technological innovation in areas such as digital transformation and climate resilience. Prioritizing multilateral diplomacy, Peru aims to amplify its voice on climate action, inclusive governance and regional stability, ensuring global strategies complement its domestic agenda for equitable and sustainable growth.

3. India is playing an increasingly significant role on the global stage. How do you view its engagement with Latin America and Peru specifically, in this evolving geopolitical landscape? What opportunities or challenges do you foresee in strengthening this partnership?

H.E.: India's growing global influence presents a unique opportunity for Latin America and Peru to foster a strategic partnership. I envision enhanced cooperation in trade, technology and energy, driven by India's increasing demand for natural resources and Peru's rich mineral wealth. However, challenges involving logistical hurdles, competition from other emerging economies and building deeper institutional ties must be addressed to fully realize the potential of this partnership. Strengthening this partnership could bolster South-South cooperation, balancing global influence amid shifting dynamics.

4. Peru-India trade remains heavily centered on goods like minerals and pharmaceuticals, while the services sector is underexplored. What measures could help diversify this trade relationship, tapping into areas like IT, tourism and education? How might both nations use emerging technologies, such as green tech, to foster a more balanced and dynamic partnership?

H.E.: To diversify trade, Peru and India must work together to overcome existing challenges and prioritize service-based trading. Establishing IT hubs and innovation centers can foster collaboration in software development, AI, and data analytics. Additionally, joint initiatives in sustainable development, clean tech research and eco-tourism can drive growth in services and align mutual climate goals, promoting balanced and tech-driven economic ties.

5. Investments between Peru and India remain limited despite immense potential. What policies or partnerships could attract more private-sector participation? How can both nations collaborate in sectors like renewable energy, technology, and agribusiness to unlock these opportunities?

H.E.: To unlock the immense potential between Peru and India, finalizing the FTA negotiation and streamlining regulatory frameworks and tax incentives is crucial to attract private-sector investments. Establishing public-private partnerships in renewable energy, technology and agribusiness can also drive growth. Creating joint ventures and innovation hubs will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, while enhancing trade facilitation and logistics infrastructure will reduce costs and increase efficiency.

By working together, Peru and India can develop renewable energy projects such as solar and wind farms and collaborate on technology initiatives, including AI, IoT, and cybersecurity. Promoting agribusiness partnerships, focusing on sustainable agriculture and food processing, will also be beneficial.

6. In the era of rapid technological advancements, how can Peru and India collaborate in areas like digital infrastructure, AI and renewable energy? What frameworks could drive mutual benefits while addressing shared goals like sustainable development and economic growth?

H.E.: Peru and India can harness technological advancements through joint frameworks in digital infrastructure, AI and renewable energy. Collaborative investments in digital infrastructure, AI partnerships between tech hubs and academia and aligned policies for cross-border renewable energy ventures can drive growth and sustainability. A bilateral "Green Tech Corridor" can streamline R&D, skill exchanges and pilot projects. To sustain momentum, both nations should prioritize public-private partnerships, harmonize regulatory standards and embed climate-smart targets into trade agreements. This collaboration can drive shared prosperity, advance global climate goals and promote digital equity.

7. Beyond current collaborations, which underexplored sectors—such as cultural exchange, agricultural innovation or climate-resilient infrastructure—hold promise for deeper Peru-India engagement? How can joint initiatives in these areas address priorities like inclusive growth and regional stability?

H.E.: Beyond current collaborations, Peru and India can deepen their engagement by exploring underexplored sectors like cultural exchange, agricultural innovation and climate-resilient infrastructure. These areas offer immense potential for mutual benefit, driving sustainable development and strengthening their bilateral relationship.

Cultural exchange programs can foster people-to-people connectivity, while agricultural innovation can enhance food security and sustainable farming practices. Climate-resilient infrastructure initiatives can help mitigate climate change impacts, supporting regional stability and inclusive growth.

8. The Peru-India FTA has been under negotiation for nearly a decade. What are the main hurdles and how soon might it be finalized? Once implemented, how could the FTA drive growth in sectors like agriculture, critical minerals and green technologies?

H.E.: The Peru-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been underway since 2017, with the sixth round of negotiations taking place in February 2024. Key challenges to finalizing the agreement include reconciling differences in tariffs, sanitary measures, and technical barriers to trade. Once implemented, the FTA is expected to drive growth in sectors like agriculture by increasing market access and reducing tariffs on agricultural products, benefiting farmers and consumers in both countries.

The agreement could also facilitate trade in critical minerals like copper, gold and silver, supporting industries like electronics and renewable energy. Additionally, the FTA could promote the exchange of green technologies, expertise and investments, helping both countries transition to a more sustainable economy.

9. Peru and India share rich cultural histories. How can cultural diplomacy foster deeper connections between the two nations? Could initiatives like digital cultural platforms, joint educational programs or creative industries amplify people-to-people engagement while also boosting tourism and economic ties?

H.E.: Peru and India can leverage cultural diplomacy to foster deeper connections between the two nations. Initiatives like digital cultural platforms, joint educational programs and creative industries can amplify people-to-people engagement, boost tourism and strengthen economic ties. By promoting cultural exchange and collaboration, our countries can celebrate their rich cultural heritage, enhance mutual understanding and create new opportunities for cooperation and growth.

10. As we conclude, what message would you like to share with the people of India about Peru’s vision for this partnership? How do you see Peru and India working together to address global challenges like climate change while advancing shared goals of economic and cultural progress?

H.E.: I would like to share a message with the people of India about Peru's vision for this partnership. Peru envisions a collaborative relationship with India that tackles global challenges like climate change while driving economic and cultural progress.

By working together, both nations can share knowledge, expertise and innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, glacial melt and extreme weather events. Peru and India can join forces to promote sustainable development, renewable energy and green technologies, ultimately reducing their carbon footprints and creating a more environmentally friendly economy.

This partnership can also foster cultural exchange, education and tourism, enriching the lives of citizens in both countries. By combining their strengths and resources, Peru and India can create a powerful alliance that drives positive change and prosperity for generations to come.

1. In recent speeches you´ve framed Uruguay´s 200th anniversary as an opportunity to reposition its global posture. How is that vision being translated into concrete policy initiatives for strengthening ties with India and the broader Asian region? 

H.E.:The bicentennial that Uruguay is celebrating finds us not only looking back at our history but also towards new strategic alliances that reflect the multipolar world of the 21st century. We are moving towards the inclusive development of our country while preserving the characteristics that define and make us proud: stability, democratic reliability, respect for the rule of law, and institutional maturity.

Our foreign policy, guided by these values, projects Uruguay as a country with growing international responsibility and a vocation for understanding at both regional and global levels. We are increasingly focused on strengthening ties with the Global South, particularly with a region of growing political and economic prominence such as Asia. Uruguay could become one of the bridges between Latin America and Asia, especially with the upcoming Pro Tempore Presidency of CELAC that Uruguay will hold next year.

Uruguay considers India, due to its historical relevance, geopolitical importance, and growing economic-commercial development, a key partner to continue the dialogue between CELAC and India. The coincidence of Uruguay’s Presidency of CELAC and India’s Presidency of BRICS in 2026 could enhance these efforts.

The bilateral meeting between President Yamandú Orsi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held within the framework of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro in July, marked a significant step forward. During that meeting, key cooperation issues were discussed, including information technologies, logistics, agriculture, and energy.

One of the main focuses of the exchange was strengthening bilateral trade and investment. Both leaders agreed on the need to promote the expansion of the Preferential Trade Agreement between India and MERCOSUR, with a view to boosting economic ties and fully leveraging the complementarities between our economies.

2. Can you outline any current or upcoming bilateral agreements trade, double taxation avoidance, technology transfer with India?

H.E.:Currently, around seven companies with Indian capital operate in Uruguay, including Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. and Infogain. Uruguay offers a secure investment climate, an attractive and stable legal framework, and a regulatory and institutional system that adapts to investors’ needs.

To establish an even stronger framework, negotiations for the Bilateral Investment Treaty were resumed in 2020, and we are pleased to report that steady progress is being made.

Within the regulatory framework, there are other relevant bilateral treaties in force, particularly the Agreement to Avoid Double Taxation and Prevent Tax Evasion with respect to Income Tax and Wealth Tax, which has been in effect since June 21, 2013.

3. MERCOSUR–India trade talks have stalled repeatedly. If you could redesign the negotiation architecture from scratch, what three elements would you change to break the logjam?

H.E.: For the purpose of redesigning the architecture, a future expansion of the Preferential Tariff Agreement between MERCOSUR and India would enhance trade gains between our countries.

It would be highly relevant to modernize our trade relationship by incorporating modern and ambitious disciplines in services, investments, rules of origin, digital economy, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, MSMEs, among other areas of mutual interest.

Finally, having an institutional mechanism that facilitates and strengthens partnerships between the private sectors of our economies would contribute to a more dynamic integration within the framework of the agreement.

4. Uruguay sits between Brazil and Argentina yet pursues an outsized climate-finance agenda. How do you leverage that leadership to create joint "green corridors" with India for renewable-energy investment?

H.E.: Uruguay has been a pioneer and leader in renewable energy, achieving a profound transformation of its energy matrix over the past decade. Today, more than 90% of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectric power. This transition has been made possible thanks to a comprehensive strategy that not only considers economic and technological aspects but also incorporates environmental, social, ethical, and cultural perspectives.

The second stage of the energy transformation involves, among other challenges, the decarbonization of the remaining energy sector and raw materials, as well as the development of a green hydrogen economy for both the domestic market and export.

In October 2022, Uruguay carried out its first issuance of sovereign bonds linked to environmental indicators. This type of initiative reinforces the country’s track record of sustainable development and the mitigation and adaptation goals to climate change driven by Uruguay's state policies over the past decades. Furthermore, Uruguay is currently seeking to promote so-called "blue bonds," aimed at mobilizing resources for the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems.

However, to continue advancing, international partnerships are also needed. We consider India a potential strategic partner. We see concrete opportunities for cooperation, for instance, through the development of bilateral green corridors, and we particularly value initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

5. South–South cooperation is often aspirational. Can you point to a high-impact pilot program (in agritech or fintech) that you believe could scale into a true India–Uruguay partnership model?

H.E.: South-South cooperation has ceased to be merely an aspiration, and the relationship between India and Uruguay is clear proof of this. We share the need to set ambitious goals in areas of mutual interest, advancing in a safe and progressive manner.

At present, the two countries are negotiating the project for the creation of the India-Uruguay Center of Excellence in Information Technology (IU-CETI), which would be managed by the Technological University (UTEC) on behalf of Uruguay and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) on behalf of India.

The main objective is to train technicians, teachers, and professionals for their integration into the labor market in these areas, as well as to foster joint research within the national territory.

6. Uruguay has a strong record on the UN Security Council, particularly during the 2016-17 term. How do you envision future coordination between Uruguay and India in multilateral forums on themes like digital governance, peacekeeping, or Global South solidarity?

H.E.:Uruguay seeks to work together with the international community to achieve common and coordinated solutions to global challenges, particularly regarding the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion and protection of Human Rights.

Uruguay has made respect for the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the rule of law the guiding star of its international action. We are strong advocates of multilateralism, of the central role of the United Nations in the international order, and particularly of the peacekeeping system promoted by the Organization.

Our country is a consistent troop contributor, with extensive experience in implementing complex mandates in some of the most demanding scenarios in the world. This vocation for peace is complemented by a solid commitment to the protection and promotion of Human Rights, international humanitarian law, and fundamental freedoms.

Uruguay has consistently advocated for greater transparency and the continuous improvement of the working methods of the United Nations Security Council, with the aim of strengthening its legitimacy, representativeness, and effectiveness. We support the reform process of the Security Council in the categories of permanent and non-permanent members, but we do not support the creation of new members with veto power. We believe that an expansion of the Security Council's membership is necessary to ensure a more adequate and representative regional and geographic distribution.

As a developing country, Uruguay maintains an active commitment to sustainable development and to effective and efficient global governance, both in general terms and within the United Nations System in particular.

Uruguay has emphasized the need for perpetrators of violations of International Humanitarian Law to be investigated and held accountable, promoting a strong message against such violations.