Lima, Oct 30 (IANS): Peru's National Tourism Chamber (Canatur) said the South American nation is studying the possibility of establishing air connections with India via Panama.

If possible, Air India could open fights from New Delhi to Lima and other regional capitals via Panama, Xinhua quoted Canatur head Carlos Canales as saying Tuesday.

Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari was in Peru Oct 26-28 to participate in free-trade talks with Peru's foreign ministry.

"One of the most important points of the negotiating process is air connectivity between India and Peru," said Canales.

Canales said he welcomed closer air connections between the two countries, as part of newly-launched negotiations on a future free-trade agreement.

"I think this (Peru-India air connection) could be established in 2014, because the topic is at an advanced stage...," said Canales.

Moreover, other South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela, also support the establishment of air links between India and South America through a Panamanian hub, he said.