NEW DELHI, April 25: India rowed back on Tuesday from its support of King Gyanendra’s offer of limited support to Nepal’s seven-party democratic alliance proclaiming that the future is now safe in the people’s hands.

The Indian foreign ministry said after incessant criticism of New Delhi’s Nepal policy by former foreign minister Natwar Singh, among others, that it welcomed Tuesday’s decision by the monarch to restore the parliament.

“India welcomes the developments in Nepal towards the restoration of multi-party democracy and the handing over of political power to the representatives of the people of Nepal,” the statement said.

“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.”

India is 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, the foreign ministry said.