Committed to dealing with Bangla issues: Sushma

Sources say India assures Bangladesh of its positive intention towards Dhaka's concerns on LBA and Teesta river issues

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday gave a commitment to address Bangladesh concerns over sharing of Teesta waters and the implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) "in a manner that improves the welfare and well-being of both our people".

She assured Bangladesh she was aware of its concerns over better border management. Swaraj said the government was committed to address those.

Her statement came after her meetings with her counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Swaraj also informed the Bangladeshi side of India's decision to ease tourist visa norms for Bangladeshi nationals under 13 and above 65.

They will be given multiple-entry visas for five years instead of one.

Swaraj gave a sari to Hasina who gifted a sari in return.

Hasina hugged Swaraj and while gifting the saree said this was bought by her sister.

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's shawal diplomacy. During his swearing-in ceremony last month, Modi had gifted a shawal to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif for his mother who in return gifted a saree for the Indian Prime Minister's mother.