NEW DELHI: India welcomed developments in Nepal towards the restoration of multi-party democracy and the handing over of political power to representatives of the people, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) on Tuesday.

"We await the convening of the revived House of Representatives and the installation of a government as indicated by the Seven Party Alliance. This is a victory for the people of Nepal, who have displayed extraordinary courage and reaffirmed their faith and commitment to freedom and democracy. The future of Nepal is safe in their hands," Mr. Mukherjee said.

"We are conscious of the challenges that lie ahead for Nepal as it embarks on the journey towards restoring political stability, achieving economic recovery and finding a peaceful solution to the armed conflict. These challenges will require the positive contribution of all concerned, drawing upon the support of the people of Nepal," he stated.

As a close friend and neighbour, Mr. Mukherjee said that India had all along stood by the people of Nepal in their unrelenting struggle for the restoration of their democratic rights. "We are ready to render unstinted support to the people of Nepal in whatever manner they wish. India wishes to see the emergence of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal and will contribute to this end to the best of its ability and resources," he said.

Though India has now said it awaited the convening of the House of Representatives in Nepal, the statement is silent about the objective of both the political parties and the Maoists to establish a Constituent Assembly in Nepal.

On Friday, India had welcomed King Gyanendra's intention of transferring executive authority to the people, without restoring Parliament; a position that was rejected by the alliance and the Maoist leadership.

Analysts were surprised why India had jumped to the support of the monarch at a time when the people of Nepal were on the streets demanding his ouster and the King's troops were shooting at protesters.

New Delhi, they felt, should have simply kept quiet on Friday's announcement by the King.

Clearly, the people of Nepal have comprehensively rejected India's oft-repeated position that the Nepalese political system stands on two legs — constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy.

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