During recent diplomatic events in Chennai, Peru’s ambassador to India, Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, extended a formal invitation to Indian companies to invest in the exploration and development of Peru’s rare earth resources. These include critical elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium—vital components in the production of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and high-tech electronics. The ambassador emphasized that Peru is positioning itself as a reliable supplier of these strategic minerals, especially as India seeks to reduce dependency on China. This outreach is also part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral ties, with both countries working toward finalizing a Free Trade Agreement expected to be signed by early 2026.
Peru is actively seeking to establish joint ventures with Indian firms in areas such as mineral exploration, transport infrastructure, and processing technology. The country’s Pacific-facing ports and improving logistics systems offer a geographically advantageous trade route to Asia. Peruvian officials have highlighted complementarities between Peru’s rich geological reserves and India’s growing demand for critical inputs to feed its expanding manufacturing and clean energy sectors. With trade volumes between the two nations steadily increasing, the potential for strategic partnerships in the mining sector is gaining momentum.
This initiative is significant for both economic and geopolitical reasons, but it also opens a crucial window for improving social license to operate in Peru. By attracting responsible international investors and building transparent partnerships, the country can enhance trust among local communities and stakeholders. If these new ventures are designed with social inclusion, environmental safeguards, and community benefit- sharing at their core, they can become models of sustainable resource development. Conversely, if foreign investment ignores local concerns, it risks fueling resistance and undermining long-term project viability. The current moment represents an opportunity to align Peru’s mineral wealth with equitable development— strengthening both economic prospects and societal acceptance.