Ansari's visit is the first by an Indian Vice President to Peru, with communist Cuba as his next stop.
Several agreements including one on setting up of a joint commission and another in the area of culture are expected to be signed during the three-day visit to Peru. Talks are also on to finalise a bilateral promotion and protection agreement.
Another highlight of the visit will be launching of INCHAM (Indian Chambers of Commerce), an organisation that will help greater facilitation for Indian trade and industry to do business in Latin America, especially Peru.
The Indian move has come at a time when Peru's trade with China has grown significantly and China is one of the most important markets for Peruvian exports. Beijing has emerged as a very large trading partner and investor for Lima.
Also Read
Peru is the world's largest producer of silver, second-largest producer of copper and zinc and fifth largest producer of gold. It has an estimated 15 TCF (Trillion Cubic Feet) of recoverable gas reserves.
To mark the occasion, Ansari inaugurated the Festival of India at which his Peruvian counterpart Marisol Espinoza Cruz was also present. The festival, which will run till October 31, is also being held in Cuba, the next stop of the Vice President.
India-Peru relations have traditionally been cordial and friendly and Lima is also a member of NAM and G-77. Both countries are expected to discuss a free trade agreement soon.
During his visit, Ansari will also meet Peru's foreign minister and its foreign trade and tourism minister. He will also call on Peruvian President Ollanta Humala.