Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sushil Koirala on Wednesday flagged off the Kathmandu-Delhi bus service called Pashupatinath Express from here. Before the flagging off, both the Prime Ministers hopped into the bus and interacted with the travellers of the bus, which was decorated with streamers, balloons and flowers.Brett Mason, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia has said economic diplomacy was for better development and effective democracy. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 18th SAARC Summit underway in the capital, as a representative of the observer nation to the regional body, Mr Mason said more trade and free market were essential for economic growth in SAARC region. He also expressed the commitment for continued economic integration with South Asia.Australia will leave no stone unturned for lasting friendship and lasting relations with South Asia, he said. On the occasion, Mr Mason also disclosed that Australia will be increasing scholarship to students from South Asia.
