We understand that there is a new Indo-Peru Friendship Association. Please let us know a bit more on it…

The Indo-Peruvian Friendship Association initially founded in 2007 by a group of young dynamic university students has been re-launched on May 30, 2017, comprising this time both corporative and individual members. The Indo-Peruvian Friendship Association (INPEFA), is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious, non-sectarian and non-commercial organization whose sole objective aspires to contribute in developing warmer and closer relations between India and Peru. It provides a platform for people to people contacts, students, academics, scholars, writers, poets thinkers, musicians, dancers, painters, film directors and actors, photographers, theatre and sports personalities, media reps, leading public figures and other opinion makers in the two countries to connect, interact, network, exchange views, co-operate, collaborate with each other to create greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s point of view which in turn generates goodwill and friendship.

What kind of role is the Indian diaspora in Peru playing in strengthening relations between the two countries?

The Indian Diaspora living in Peru is small but very active in promoting and strengthening the relations between the two countries through the India Chamber of Commerce (INCHAM), the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of India and the Peru India Friendship Association established in 2006.

We know that Machu Picchu is a World Wonder. More Indians are travelling overseas. What is Peru doing to attract more Indian visitors to this World Wonder?

One of the most significant steps towards attracting the Outbound Indian traveller to Machu Picchu and Peru in general has been the new visa rules extended by our Government. Effective from the end of March 2017, now any Indian traveller with a minimum validity of six months on a visa from either United States of America, United Kingdom, any Schengen space country, Australian or Canada is able to process a visa on arrival in Peru. This has made the entry into our beautiful country hassle-free for many travellers.

In addition to the relaxation of visa rules, various promotional activities are being organized on a regular basis. We have been collaborating with some of the best publications and travel houses in order to ensure that the Indian traveller is a well-informed traveller. Seminars, conferences and various interactive talk sessions are organized so that one can travel not only to Machu Picchu, but also beyond! Peru is a land of many treasures, many of which have been hidden from the average Indian traveller.