India congratulates Suu Kyi on election win

New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) India Tuesday congratulated pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi after her National League for Democracy's (NLD) thumping election victory.

"We welcome the successful conduct of by-elections in Myanmar," external affairs ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said.

The results announced so far show that the New Delhi-educated Suu Kyi's NLD has bagged all 40 of the seats declared out of the 45 for which polling took place Sunday.

"We extend our heartiest congratulations to Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD. These elections represent a major milestone in Myanmar's transition towards multi-party democracy," Akbaruddin said.

At the invitation of Myanmar, India sent Election Commission officials as observers for the elections. India's ambassador to Myanmar also observed the elections in Yangon region.

"We congratulate the Myanmar Election Commission, the government and people of Myanmar on the peaceful and smooth manner in which elections appear to have been held," the official said.

India's relationship with Myanmar has been boosted in recent months by visits to New Delhi by the president of Myanmar, the foreign minister, and a high-level parliamentary delegation.

"As a close and friendly neighbour, India remains committed to extending all possible assistance and support to the process of national reconciliation and the further strengthening of democracy in Myanmar," he said.