rehabilitation assistance extended during drought and flood situations.
           Indian Ocean Region: India’s proactive engagement in the Indian Ocean Region
      was further intensified during the period. India’s approach to the region was directed towards
      advancing cooperation and using capabilities for larger benefit highlighting the precepts of
      Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
           The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) mechanism has a vital role to play in realizing
      this common aspiration for the region. India considers IORA as an important instrument for
      promoting cooperation and ensuring stability in the region. The focus during the period was on
      implementing wide ranging initiatives announced by India during the IORA Leaders’ Summit in
      2017 in Jakarta.
      South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific
           Australia: India’s relations with Australia entered a more intensive phase due to regular
      exchange of high-level visits during the year. Australia is increasingly emerging as an important
      partner in different sectors including development of mineral resources, science and technology,
      education and skills and water resources management. Recognising importance of relationship
      between India and Australia, Australia’s Foreign Policy White Paper, released by Australian
      Prime Minister in November 2017 sees India in the front rank of Australia’s international
      partnerships.
           Brunei Darussalam: Bilateral relations between India and Brunei Darussalam
      continued to be close and friendly. The year marks the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India
      Dialogue Partnership. 2017 was also the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. These landmark events
      further increased interactions between the two countries through a number of events in all areas
      including political, defence, cultural and sports. These landmark events further increased
      interactions between the two countries through a number of events in all areas including
      political, defence, cultural and sports.
           Cambodia:        Bilateral relations with Cambodia progressed in various fields including
      economic, cultural, people-to-people contact, capacity building and developmental projects. A
      delegation from Rajya Sabha Secretariat visited Cambodia in June 2017 within the framework of
      MoU signed between Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Cambodian Senate in September 2016 to
      encourage parliamentary exchanges. Indian assistance to Cambodia continued in the field of
      water resources development, electric transmission line, restoration and conservation of temples
      and capacity building.
           Indonesia: With the visit of Indonesian President to India in December 2016, the
      bilateral relations with Indonesia took a steep upward trajectory. The year 2017 witnessed many
      high-level political engagements that have helped in reinvigorating our relationship and has
      provided the necessary momentum to the bilateral relations.
           Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR): The year saw a continued upward
      trend in bilateral relations with Lao PDR. Infrastructure projects in areas of irrigation systems,
      capacity building and human resources and cultural cooperation in restoration of heritage
      monuments and regular high-level visits were focus of cooperation.